Transpower Launches Grid Blueprint Consultation

Today Transpower launched the first in a series of consultations that will enable it to design a future “grid blueprint” for New Zealand.

The grid blueprint is being developed as part of Transpower’s Te Kanapu initiative, which was introduced at the end of May. It will guide investments in national electricity transmission infrastructure up to and beyond 2050, supporting New Zealand’s economic growth and net-zero aspirations.

John Clarke, Transpower Executive General Manager Future Grid said that stakeholder input was critical to build a picture of what New Zealand might look like in 2050.

“We know there are a lot of people from a range of businesses, organisations and sectors that have insights and are making plans that will shape our country in the future,” he said. “We want to make sure the electricity infrastructure enables those aspirations.”

John highlighted the real opportunity for those in the sector and across the wider economy to work together and help ensure the national electricity grid is an enabler for New Zealand.

The first consultation is an online survey, open to everyone.

Transpower has started conversations across the electricity sector and with industry groups and will use the survey to ensure a wide range of responses and information about plans and ideas.

The information gathered will help Transpower to develop possible future scenarios for Aotearoa. The scenarios will cover both a broad vision for the future and specific detail that’s important for the electricity sector, such as assumptions about growth, electricity generation and load, and future technological change.

Transpower will seek feedback through this and other consultations throughout the year, with a view to delivering the grid blueprint in late 2026.

“Getting feedback from all those who will rely on the grid and across the energy sector will help us to ensure that our transmission grid is a significant enabler of growth and electrification.”

The consultation document and survey are available here: https://www.transpower.co.nz/our-work/te-kanapu

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