Powerco Eastern Planning Manager Neville Goodwin said the Company had been consulting with key stakeholders regarding the new line for more than two years and was keen to complete the consenting process so construction could get underway.

“Powerco currently has a single 66,000 volt line between Kaimarama and Coroglen supplying electricity to around 9000 properties in the northern part of the Coromandel Peninsula.”

“If we have any faults on that line all 9000 properties lose power. Once we build the second line we will have a greatly improved security of electricity supply which will provide significant benefits to affected residents and encourage economic growth and confidence in this fast growing region.”

Mr Goodwin said Powerco was working with the Thames Coromandel District Council to gain consent to build the second line which will be around 11km long.
     
“Powerco is also working closely with land owners to gain easements which will allow the company to build, own, operate and maintain the new line on their properties.

“We recognise the Coromandel Peninsula is a special place with a unique environment and one which travelers from all over the world aspire to visit. In working through this project to date our people have gained an appreciation of the land and also of the value residents place on the beauty and ecological diversity of their surroundings.  Our approach has been to respect local values and work with the community, balancing the need for a good quality electricity supply with the need to protect the environment and conserve the unique beauty of the area.”

Mr Goodwin said he expected there would be many businesses and individuals in the Whitianga and Coromandel areas who would consider making submissions in favour of the new line.

“Powerco has consulted with the local district council, the Mercury Bay Community Board, Destination Mercury Bay as well as business owners and developers in the region and there is huge support for the project.”

“Our immediate focus is to ensure we gain the appropriate consents and easements so that we can start building this line as soon as possible.”

Mr Goodwin said the new line is planned to be built to specifications that will allow it to be run at 110,000 volts, however it will initially be run at 66,000 volts.

“Powerco is a long term business and this is a long term project that has been designed in such a way that we can convert the line to 110,000 volts when the demand for electricity in the region grows to the point where it is required.”

Mr Goodwin said Powerco wanted to commence construction of the line by the end of this year however timing would be dictated by the consenting process.

Powerco is New Zealand’s second largest electricity and gas distribution utility with around 400,000 consumers connected to its networks. Powerco’s electricity networks are in Tauranga, Thames, Coromandel, Eastern and Southern Waikato, Taranaki, Wanganui, Rangitikei, Manawatu and the Wairarapa. Its gas pipeline networks are in Taranaki, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Wellington, Horowhenua, Manawatu and the Hawke’s Bay.