New electricity transmission standards proposed

Media release: 13 October 2007

The consultation process has opened on two proposed national environmental standards for electricity transmission.

“The proposed electricity transmission standards will provide more national guidance under the Resource Management Act – this is a key action identified in the New Zealand Energy Strategy released this week,” says Sue Powell, General Manager at the Ministry for the Environment.

“They are primarily about maintaining and protecting built electricity transmission structures (such as pylons and cables) to help ensure the robustness of the national grid. The standards do not address the building of new transmission lines,” she says.

The standards would ensure national consistency in how the RMA is used with respect to the operation and ongoing maintenance of the national grid. They would also help manage the effects of activities such as digging next to pylons which can damage the grid.

The national grid traverses 72 local and 12 regional councils. A variety of approvals are required under the RMA to operate, maintain and carry out minor upgrades to the grid. The proposed standards could help reduce time spent determining the consent requirements for transmission work in each district.

“These proposed standards are just two of many current initiatives under the RMA to promote consistent decision making process throughout the country,” says Ms Powell.

Consultation on the proposed electricity transmission standards is open until the 30 November 2007. Local government, landowners and any interested people are encouraged to make a submission. See: www.mfe.govt.nz/laws/standards/electricity-transmission.html

For more information on national guidance (standards and policy statements) under the RMA see: http://www.mfe.govt.nz/rma/central/index.php