KEY POINTS:
Transpower's planned big new power line to Auckland got the nod from the electricity regulator today but it still faces opposition from Waikato farmers.
In 2005, the Electricity Commission put the grid operator's plan for a 440 kilovolt line into Auckland on hold, judging it to be too expensive.
Last October, Transpower unveiled a new plan for the line that changed where the network connected in Auckland to Pakuranga, from Otahuhu, reduced the initial power load carried, but did not alter the controversial route through the Waikato.
Transpower chief executive Dr Ralph Craven said the decision was a positive step towards ensuring security of supply.
"The 400 kV capable option means building fewer lines and towers over time than any of the alternatives that Transpower or other parties have considered," he said.
Commission deputy chair Peter Harris said the announcement today of an intention to approve the upgrade was not unanimous.
The Commission will release a detailed statement of the reasons for its decision in mid-February.
There will be an opportunity for the public to make submissions around late March and a public conference iss likely to be held in late April or early May.
Dr Craven said Transpower welcomed the consultation: "We will be continuing to work closely with local and regional government, affected communities and landowners throughout the process."
Finance Minister Michael Cullen last year told the grid operator and its regulator to stop behaving like "males rutting" but he denied allegations of political meddling in decision making.
Former Commissioner Roy Hemmingway told a parliamentary select committee that he was sacked because he refused to bow to political pressure.
Transpower is buying up farms along the route in get access. It has purchased 53 of the 297 properties on the route and will onsell the farms when the line is built.
The issue of the security of electricity supply to the country's largest city was highlighted last year when the failure of two 40-year-old shackles cut power to much of Auckland for more than five hours.
- NZPA
