National grid operator Transpower has been given the go-ahead for a $62 million project to increase capacity in the lower South Island, to meet growing demand for dairy farmers and other large power users in Southland.The project will also ensure supply w
National grid operator Transpower has been given the go-ahead for a $62 million project to increase capacity in the lower South Island, to meet growing demand for dairy farmers and other large power users in Southland.
The project will also ensure supply when Manapouri is unable to generate because of low inflows.
Transpower will install new equipment, and about 2km of transmission line, to tap into capacity from the existing lower South Island transmission network.
The project will provide a significant increase in capacity at relatively low cost, said grid development general manager John Clarke.
The project will begin next year, and be built in stages until 2016.
Transpower is also spending $19m on a project on the West Coast, and doubling capacity between Roxburgh and the Waitaki Valley in Otago in a $170m project.
Upgrades for the Lower Waitaki and upper South Island are also planned.
