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Transmission Alternatives Auckland

Alternatives to Transpower's proposed transmission upgrade - short-short list

In accordance with the Commission's transmission alternatives process, the Commission has now completed analysis to compile a “short short-list” of alternatives for the Grid Investment Test (GIT) application during December 2005 and January 2006.  The results of this work have been presented to a number of stakeholders in the last few weeks.

Proposed Whakamaru-Otahuhu grid upgrade information sheet (includes next steps)

The following reports provide details of the analysis performed.

The Commission will be carrying out full consultation on its decision relating to Transpower's proposed Auckland 400kV line in March/April 06. However, the Commission would welcome any comments that interested parties may wish to make on the alternatives work set out in the above documents. This is an extra step in the process and is not a formal consultation. As it is an extra step there are some constraints fitting it into the overall timeline, therefore, interested parties who wish to comment should do so by midday on Tuesday 24 January 2006. 

Alternatives to Transpower's proposed transmission grid upgrade between Whakamaru and South Auckland

The Commission's decision-making process in relation to grid investment is provided for by Part F of the Electricity Governance Rules 2003 (Rules). Under the Rules the Commission is required to undertake a review and consult with interested parties on the grid investments proposed in Transpower's Grid Upgrade Plan.  This process must also consider whether alternatives to transmission might defer or replace transmission investments. 

The Commission published a consultation paper on its website called Alternatives to Transpower's proposed Whakamaru-Otahuhu transmission upgrade on 27 May 2005. This consultation paper was intended to give information to and seek input by way of submissions from interested parties, in advance of the Commission receiving Transpower's Grid Upgrade Plan.  The Commission encouraged the input of interested parties at this early stage because it recognises the significant public interest in Transpower's plan. 

The Commission completed its initial consideration of submissions and published the following reports on 20 September 2005.

Proposed Whakamaru-Otahuhu grid upgrade information sheet (includes next steps)

SKM study transmission alternatives – Auckland and North Isthmus

The Commission commissioned Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) to review the scope for alternatives to transmission reinforcement to supply the Auckland's region's increasing electrical demand. The objective being, to provide additional information to support the Commission's consideration of how such alternatives should be encouraged where they result in efficient outcomes. The scope of the review includes demand side measures and generation options.

Regarding reference 8 in the SKM report: The EECA-commissioned report Mass Market Load Control - Its Use and Its Potential Use is now available at the EECA website

www.eeca.govt.nz.

Regarding reference 9 in the SKM report: EECA intends to release a full report on its demand response survey work once survey results have been collated and analysed. The final report is due for release early in 2005 and when released will be available at www.eeca.govt.nz.

In January 2005, the Commission asked SKM to investigate further the scope for demand side management in the Auckland/North Isthmus region.

SKM provided a report on its investigation to the Commission during June 2005. The report examines the characteristics of the electrical demand in the Auckland/North Isthmus region, highlights those international demand side management examples that SKM believes are applicable to the region, and outlines a selection of solutions available for managing major commercial and industrial demand.

Last update on 28 March 2006 12:50 PM