Transpower says fast-track bill needs to ensure access to grid and changes to reduce litigation

The electricity grid already crosses protected land in many places. (Image: Transpower)

Mon, 29 Apr 2024

Transpower says the new fast-track consenting regime needs tweaks to ensure the company can upgrade and maintain the national electricity grid.It also warns that the way the Fast-track Approvals Bill is drafted opens up decisions made under the legislation to extensive litigation.In a submission to the select committee considering the bill, the state-owned enterprise (SOE) said the standard timeline of three to seven years for obtaining the necessary statutory approvals and access rights for projects is “challenging given the pace require...

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