Electricity Commission approves Otahuhu substation upgrade

The supply of electricity into Auckland and points north will as a result be more robust, more flexible and more diverse.

The Commission has also recently approved an upgrade to the transmission grid supplying Auckland from the Waikato. While this gives an additional supply route into the north, it also means that additional development at Otahuhu will still be required by 2013.

The upgrade will include the construction of a second switchyard at Transpower’s Othauhu site, as well as improvements to the existing switchyard.  The new switchyard will be enclosed, which adds a degree of security. This means that not only will there be diversity of supply into Auckland, but also diversity and reliability of electricity supply through the Otahuhu site.

The decision confirms the notice of intention to approve the proposal that was issued on 25 May 2007. 
Documents relating to the decision can be found at:

http://www.electricitycommission.govt.nz/opdev/transmis/gup/otahuhudiversity

For more information, please contact:

Peter Thornbury
Senior Communications Adviser
Electricity Commission
Tel: 04 460 8860