Powerco's plans for a new overhead electricity line between Coroglen and Kaimarama will be released for public consultation by the Thames Coromandel District Council later this week.

Powerco Eastern Planning Manager Neville Goodwin said the new line was a critical element of plans to further improve network reliability on the peninsula.

"Currently we have a single line between Coroglen and Kaimarama and if there is any damage to that line more than 9,000 customers in and around Coromandel Town and Whitianga lose supply until repairs have been completed."

"The new line we have planned will make a huge difference to the reliability of the network supplying Whitianga and Coromandel Town. However, we need the public to take the time to make a submission on our plan."

Mr Goodwin said Powerco had previously submitted a similar plan for public consultation and was disappointed with the public feedback.

"Feedback from speaking with members of the community indicates we have overwhelming support for this project from the people of the Coromandel. However when the previous plan went out for public submissions the objections outnumbered submissions in support of the new line by ten to one. We subsequently withdrew that plan."

Mr Goodwin said Powerco had revisited its plans, making a number of changes to its submission to the Thames Coromandel District Council and now it was time for the people of the Coromandel to have their say.

People wanting to make a submission should visit the Thames Coromandel District Council website http://www.tcdc.govt.nz/Services/Notified+Consents/Notified+Consents.htm

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, Hawke's Bay and Tasmania.