Govt tests transmission options for smelter

Govt tests transmission options for smelter
Gavin Evans
The government has sought advice from national grid operator Transpower on what measures can be taken to help extend the ramp down of the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter. The smelter, the country’s largest electricity user, is slated for closure next August with the expected loss of 1,000 jobs at the site and a further 1,600 across supporting businesses in Southland. Operator Rio Tinto has been offered a lower power price by Meridian Energy to help extend the closure by up to four years, but that doesn’t include a separate transmission deal...

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