We need to continually operate, maintain and develop New Zealand's transmission network – the National Grid – to ensure we meet the ongoing electricity needs of New Zealanders.
Transpower has completed an investigation into the timing of removal of its substation and connecting lines at Cape Foulwind (near Westport).
With Holcim closing its cement works at Cape Foulwind, Buller Electricity has asked Transpower to decommission this connection point. Normal decommissioning of a site involves removal of all substation equipment and connecting lines. However, because of the potential for something further being connected at this point and the significant costs involved in rebuilding anything removed (particularly connecting transmission lines), Transpower was keen to get local community feedback on its options.
Following feedback on options presented to the community, we have determined a plan to decommission and remove the substation over 2017/18, while leaving the transmission lines in place until 2020. This earlier timing for removal of the lines (compared to the options presented to stakeholders) reflects feedback from landowners to our consultation.
