Power grid's regional differences 'silly', minister says

Energy Minister David Parker says a single standard for approving maintenance for the national grid will remove "silly" regional differences.

The Government announced yesterday it was moving towards consistent nationwide standards for the maintenance of the electricity transmission grid.

This could cover controversial issues such as how councils should deal with planning consent for the construction of large pylons, as well as the acceptable standard for levels of electric and magnetic fields associated with electricity transmission.

Ministers said it would recognise the need to safeguard the security of electricity supply.

Mr Parker said one change would be to remove regional differences for maintenance work such as replacing lines or insulators. Some regions allow the work while others require resource consent first.

"At present there are different rules relating to maintenance of existing lines in different parts of the country and it seems a bit silly that we have different rules in some areas compared with others," Mr Parker told National Radio.

"So we are proposing a national environment standard that says for minor works and maintenance the same rules should apply everywhere."

That change would not impact on decisions about new lines.

Also Mr Parker said the Government would look at whether there should be a standard specifying controls for activities near the network.

"For example, in some cities we have power pylons surrounded by houses, which are now difficult to access for maintenance or replacement," Mr Parker said.

"To help address this, Transpower will need to be consulted when resource consent applications are made for activities which could impact upon the grid."

The ministers said in a statement that the controversial issue of the health effects of transmission lines would also be looked at.

Mr Parker's spokesman said a draft statement and standard would be ready for public discussion by the end of the year.

- NZPA