Upper South Island upgrade project - short-list consultation

Transpower is consulting on a short-list of possible electricity infrastructure investments for the upper South Island, to ensure a reliable power supply for the future.

The short-list consultation is open now and runs from 18 December 2024 – 14 February 2025.

News: Transpower seeks feedback on electricity investment short-list for upper South Island

We have identified three short-listed options, including a preferred option. Our preferred option is a $77.2 million investment that includes constructing two new switching stations near Orari and Rangitata north of Timaru by 2028, upgrading two existing transmission lines, and installing equipment to manage voltage. Full details of all short-listed options are in the consultation documents below.

Please email feedback to [email protected] by 5pm, Friday 14 February 2025.

After considering the feedback, Transpower will decide whether to submit a proposal for investment to the Commerce Commission in 2025.

Consultation documents

Our consultation information is below and includes an overview document and five attachments that give additional detail on aspects of our short-list.

Throughout the consultation documents we include questions to consider and respond to, however you are also welcome to raise any other feedback relevant to this work.