Power network operator Transpower has announced a NZD50 million upgrade program to maintain and strengthen structures in New Zealand’s national grid.
According to the company, the program will bring forward required maintenance work that had been planned over the next 10 years. Work will focus on tower maintenance, civil work and substation maintenance.
Transpower said that the work will be undertaken as part of the company’s maintenance capital, which is subject to oversight by the Commerce Commission. The accelerated maintenance is additional and separate to Transpower’s intensive program of capital work.
Patrick Strange, CEO of Transpower, said: “This is essential maintenance work on our existing towers and foundations, rather than a major new project. Advancing these works makes sound business sense for Transpower, since there are major cost savings and synergies in doing the work as part of one program.
“Our approach to this maintenance will mean less disruption for landowners in the long term. We will be in contact with landowners to discuss the timing of the program in each area, so as to minimize inconvenience.”
Transpower is a state owned enterprise, tasked with owning and operating New Zealand’s National Grid – the network of high voltage transmission lines and substations that connect areas of generation with towns and cities across the country.
