Public suggest alternatives to pylons

More than 120 submissions on alternatives to Transpower's controversial power pylon plan can now be viewed online.

The Electricity Commission is publishing the suggestions on its website, as part of the public consultation process.

Commission chairman Roy Hemmingway said the range and quality of submissions was impressive.

Suggestions include using geothermal power in the Taupo area, wave and tidal power, a high voltage direct current, and improving energy efficiency in Auckland.

Public submissions have now closed, and the commission's initial findings will be published next month. A final report on the alternatives for further consideration is scheduled to be ready by November.

The final decision on Transpower's $500m 400kV transmission line from Waikato to South Auckland is expected by June next year.

Todd Energy this week revealed it wanted to build additional power stations in Auckland.

Meanwhile, a Waikato district council is considering legal action to protect "outstanding natural landscapes" from Transpower's massive pylons.

The preferred route passes through areas the council has identified as "special landscape and character areas" and "outstanding natural landscape".

Waipa District Council it is getting advice on its legal options from Wellington QC Robert Wilson.

- NEWSTALK ZB, NZPA