We have opened our Waikato Regional Interconnection Capacity (WRIC) short list consultation, investigating how Transpower can strengthen the link between the national 220 kV grid and the Waikato 110 kV network as electricity demand grows. We want to hear from you to help shape and inform our plans.
We've shortlisted two potential grid connections, a new connection at Hamilton East and one near Ĺtorohanga, with Hamilton East being our current preferred option.
Alongside these transmission options, we're also exploring non-transmission solutions (NTS) as part of our strategy, which include grid-scale batteries and demand management. We invite potential providers to identify solutions that could help meet Waikato's future electricity needs or reduce or delay the need for transmission investment.
Please consider our consultation material below and submit your feedback or queries through a written submission to [email protected]. Our submission period is from Wednesday 21 October to 5pm Wednesday 2 December 2026. We will acknowledge submissions by return email.
Project Overview:
Overview WRIC short list consultation
Attachments:
Attachment 1: Needs assessment and short list of options
Attachment 2: Demand and generation scenarios
Attachment 3: Benefits modelling and Investment Test
Attachment 4: Indicative pricing allocations
Attachment 5: Non-transmission solutions
Submissions should clearly identify the parts of the consultation material being commented on and include any supporting evidence, data, or alternative assumptions that Transpower should consider.
Once the consultation period ends, we will make all submissions available on our WRIC project page. Any contact details you have included in your document will be included. In addition, we will share these submissions with the Commission as part of our discussions on this project. Please note that we do not intend to share individual NTS RFI responses publicly or with the Commerce Commission. The only information we may disclose is the overall level of participation in the NTS RFI. All response details will remain confidential.
If you do not want us to publish or share your contact details, or you want any parts of your submission to be kept confidential, then please provide us with a version of your submission with the confidential elements redacted, and we will publish that version. Any relevant confidential information will need to be shared with the Commerce Commission if this investigation results in an MCP. Note, Transpower is also subject to the Official Information Act.