16 Mar 2026
With electricity demand expected to more than double in western Bay of Plenty (WBOP) by 2050, Transpower today has released a request for proposals (RFP) inviting innovative transmission alternatives, known as non-transmission solutions (NTS), to bolster its Development Plan in the region.
Together with local lines company Powerco, Transpower plans to deliver nine major electricity infrastructure projects in WBOP over the next decade.
Executive General Manager Grid Development Matt Webb says the national grid has been working with Powerco to coordinate the development of infrastructure that will enhance electricity supply in the most cost-efficient way and deliver the region’s growing power needs now and into the future.
“The western Bay of Plenty is one of Aotearoa’s fastest growing regions, with electricity demand across Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Te Puke and Ōmokoroa expected to increase 40%-75% by 2035 due to population and economic growth, as well as increasing electrification. By 2050, it is expected to more than double.
“To meet this growing need we need to invest now to enable the people and businesses in the WBOP to thrive. We need all the tools and technology available to us, and NTS have significant, quantifiable potential in reducing costs for New Zealanders,” he said.
In June 2025 the Commerce Commission approved Transpower’s $83 million investment plan, as well as an additional $2.5 million to support NTS, such as large-scale batteries and demand response strategies, which can play a key role by shifting electricity demand away from busy ‘peak’ times to quieter ones.
“Having the flexibility to reduce how much electricity we need to carry at heavy use times means we can improve the performance of existing transmission infrastructure and reduce or delay the need for additional investment in new generation, upgrades or new lines, to keep costs down for Kiwis.” he said.
Transpower is inviting innovative providers to propose flexible demand-side and supply-side solutions that can deliver up to 20 MW at Tauranga by winter 2030, and 10 MW at Te Matai by winter 2031. Proposals must be submitted electronically via Government Electronic Services (GETS) by 30 June 2026.
“Successful responses from this RFP will inform a final decision on the timing for the investment in new grid assets in the WBOP region, and demonstrate how coordinated flexibility services can support the national grid in accelerating flexibility and power Aotearoa’s communities and businesses for generations to come.” Mr Webb said.
Who are Transpower and Powerco?
Transpower is the owner and operator of New Zealand’s national electricity grid – the network of high voltage transmission lines that transport power from areas of power generation to towns and cities across the country. In western Bay of Plenty, Transpower’s network interconnects with that of local lines company Powerco, which owns and maintains the lower-voltage power lines and cables that connect to homes and businesses throughout the region.
ENDS
For more information: please contact Transpower’s communications team at [email protected] or 021 195 8613.