Last updated: 12 Dec 2023
What we're doing
The Western Bay of Plenty region is growing. Its electricity infrastructure needs to grow too, to ensure power is available when and where people and businesses need it.
Transpower and Powerco are working together to plan and deliver the essential upgrades on the electricity network that are needed to enable this region to continue to flourish, now and in the future. This is a long-term programme with delivery spanning over the next 10 years.
What's happening now
The first consultation has closed
Transpower has published the first consultation document about the project, and the responses we received. The first consultation set out the need for upgrades, technical assumptions, and our thinking so far on the possible options for upgrades on the high-voltage transmission network. We sought your feedback about these matters, which will help us refine our options and plan.
The consultation information, documents, submissions and our response are available here.
More consultation is planned
In 2024, we will consult again on a short-list of options following feedback from the first consultation, and further technical investigations and analysis. This consultation will provide solution options for the public to consider, which integrate the work that both Transpower and Powerco will need to undertake. This will give a clear picture of the benefits and costs involved. We’ll be continuing to talk with organisations and groups in the region throughout this year and next to keep our insights and forecasts up to date.
Regional engagement
Transpower and Powerco have been meeting with councils, other infrastructure operators, agencies, and major electricity users, sharing our approach and gaining an understanding of the region’s needs and aspirations. We are planning more engagement and aim to meet with interested iwi and community groups as the plan takes shape. We value the interest and feedback we have received so far, which has helped us better understand the aspirations and future plans in the western Bay of Plenty.
If you are interested in hearing more about this work, we would be very happy to meet with you. You can contact us at [email protected].
Sign up to receive our newsletter
We invite anyone who would like to receive updates about the Development Plan to join our e-newsletter mailing list. Please enter your details here to receive this newsletter from Transpower and Powerco.
When you sign up, you should receive an auto-reply, confirming you have registered. If you don't receive this, please check your junk mail folder.
You can expect newsletters by email about four times a year, mostly relating to milestones and key information as our plan takes shape. We are expecting to send the first newsletter in mid-September 2023, after submissions on the first consultation have been published.
Get in touch
We also invite anyone, particularly those representing an organisation, iwi, community or interest group to contact us if you would like more information or to host a presentation or discussion for your group. We are happy to share more about how this work is progressing at a time that works for you.
We value your interest, and your feedback. You can contact us at [email protected]
Correspondence between Transpower and the Commerce Commission regarding this project
Transpower's Notice of Intention to the Commerce Commission
This letter outlines our planned Major Capex Proposal project for the Western Bay of Plenty to the Commerce Commission, identifying the envisaged approach to staging investments and suggesting a timeline.
Letter from the Commerce Commission agreeing preliminary matters and timeframes
The Commerce Commission responds formally to our Notice of Intention, expressing comfort with proposed approach and agreeing a timeline for the process, as is required under cl 3.3.1(3) of the Capex IM. The Commerce Commission note it would appreciate updates on the staging when more is known.