Transpower's preferred pylon route not final decision, says Mallard

Transpower's decision yesterday on where pylons taking power to Auckland will go does not pre-empt a final decision by the Electricity Commission, Energy Minister Trevor Mallard said today.

The state power lines company said a western option was its preferred route for 490 giant electricity pylons from the middle of the North Island to Auckland.

Transpower yesterday began telling landowners about the preferred route, to start round two of the countryside controversy.

Hundreds of landowners, from south Waikato to hobby farms on Auckland's southern fringe, believe the plan is being rushed and forced on them without alternatives or environmental effects being considered.

Transpower's "interim" decision on the route between Otahuhu and Whakamaru was a "necessary step in its planning process, but it does not pre-empt the decision the Electricity Commission must make in due course," Mr Mallard said.

"The Government expects the commission, when making its decision, to thoroughly access Transpower's proposal in comparison with other alternatives that may meet our on-going requirement for security of electricity supply to Auckland."

- NZPA