Power line hearing for wind farm
Wel Networks’ $30 million plans to build two wind farm related substations and a 25km transmission line between Te Uku and Te Kowhai will be considered at a hearing in Ngaruawahia next week.
Waikato District Council has appointed David Hill as commissioner to hear and make recommendations on Wel’s application at a notice of requirement hearing which is expected to run from Monday to Friday.
Some 15 submitters want to be heard, including dogged anti wind farm activist Sean Cox.
The new line – built to 110kV specifications with 33kV substations at both ends – will be needed to service the 28-turbine Te Uku wind farm which gained Environment Court approval on November 26 last year.
The new line, which will be supported on poles up to 17 metres high, will run from Te Kowhai to the Raglan Deviation and then via the existing electricity route to the wind farm and through to Te Uku.
The project will also upgrade electrical service to the wider Raglan area five years earlier than planned.
Wel Networks chief executive Julian Elder said this would improve supply reliability in Raglan and enable future growth in the district.
A commissioner is required because the council is financially associated with the applicant through the Wel Energy Trust.
Mr Hill was one of four commissioners to hear the application for the wind farm itself. He is expected to deliver his recommendations about the end of next month.
By Bruce Holloway
Waikato Times
7 March 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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