Uncertain smelter future delays transmission work

Uncertain smelter future delays transmission work
Gavin Evans
A project to reduce the impact of the potential closure of the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter or a major production cut there may be delayed, generators say. National grid operator Transpower late last year accelerated work increasing the capacity of its lines from Southland up to the Waitaki Valley after smelter owner Rio Tinto announced a formal review of the operation – including potential closure. Work is underway strengthening Transpower’s transmission towers between Roxburgh and Livingstone. But the next phase of work this summer, to...

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