Last updated: 07 Nov 2024
What are we doing?
Transpower has an existing electrical switching station at Huapai, north west of Auckland. At some point in the future we will need to expand our operations here to meet the growing needs of North Auckland and Northland. To enable that development we are looking to extend our existing 'designation' (ie environmental approval) to cover an undeveloped area to the west of the current site.
Why are you doing it?
Building a new substation on our existing site isn't possible because it is being used to power Northland and North Auckland - and we would need to turn it off to do the mahi.
By securing approval for the extended designation the site approved now, we will:
- be able to move quickly to build this substation when needed
- ensure a quick response to future power needs
- plan and implement environmental improvements (like planting) early
- maintain reliable power supply during future construction
- help future proof the network for a growing region.
When will this happen?
We are starting the work on the designation change now, and we'll be talking to neighbours in particular who overlook this site. An advantage of moving now, is that we can schedule some of the mitigation works (like planting screening vegetation) as part of the mahi today.