ComCom backs $193m Transpower upgrade

Electricity use in the South Island has been climbing steadily partly driven by irrigation. (Image: NZME)

Thu, 18 Dec 2025

The Commerce Commission has given Transpower draft approval to spend $193 million on upgrading its upper South Island transmission network, a move aimed at securing electricity supply for one of the country's fastest-growing regions.The investment forms the second stage of Transpower’s long-term Upper South Island voltage-management programme, which began in 2012 with works at Islington Substation. It will strengthen the link between the major southern hydro schemes and demand centres north of Twizel, helping deliver power to Canterbu...

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