Study into an alternative to transmission line realignment in Transmission Gully

AT A GLANCE…

�� Paraparaumu is presently supplied by a line that runs through Transmission Gully. We are working with NZTA to realign this line around the new highway.

�� However, it may be possible to make a new connection to Paraparaumu from other lines nearby. If so, we could remove all 24 kms of line between Pauatahanui to Paraparaumu (including those lines along Valley Road and in Transmission Gully).

�� This alternative, if technically feasible, requires two short lengths (about 800 metres) of new transmission line instead. In addition, our Valley Road substation would be rebuilt – smaller and providing greater capacity for future growth.

�� If we confirm the work is feasible, we’ll need to secure approvals to do the work and these will be needed by the second half of 2013 for this alternative supply connection to proceed.

�� We are sharing this alternative proposal with the local community to gauge your support while we work through our technical assessment of the possible connection over the next two months. If it is feasible we will then seek approvals including from the Kapiti Coast District Council.

�� NZTA and your local lines company, Electra, both support this alternative given the potential community benefits from removing the transmission line while also providing for future growth.

�� If this alternative does not proceed, we will realign the existing line through Transmission Gully, as planned.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

� See the Q&As on the last page of this factsheet.

� Write or email us (details inside).

� Attend the information day on 9 March 2013 (details inside).

� Check out our website: www.transpower.co.nz/paraparaumu-220-kv-supply-connection

FEBRUARY 2013

PARAPARAUMU NEW SUPPLY FEASIBILITY STUDY FACTSHEET

WHAT ARE THE MAIN COMPONENTS OF THIS WORK?If feasible, the work would include:

�� a new substation on Transpower land replacing the existing 110 kV substation

�� removal of 24 km of 110 kV transmission lines between Pauatahanui and our Valley Road substation in Paraparaumu

�� construction of two 800 metre sections of new transmission line on poles in the hills behind and connecting to the substation.

HOW CAN I PROVIDE FEEDBACK?We are interested in your feedback on the Paraparaumu supply connection alternative.

If you would like to provide us feedback, you can do so by:

�� emailing us at: communications@transpower.co.nz

�� writing to us: Geoff Wishart, Project Communications Manager, Transpower New Zealand Limited, PO Box 1021, Wellington 6140

�� using the feedback form on our website: www.transpower.co.nz/paraparaumu- 220-kv-supply-connection.

We will need to receive any feedback by 20 March 2013.

INFORMATION DAYTo answer questions about our work, we will host an Information Day. See the table below for details, and please feel free to drop by at any stage within the times indicated.

Transpower Information Day

Date: 9 March 2013*

When: 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Where: Paraparaumu substation near the top end of Valley Road, Paraparaumu (see map).

* Weather permitting. Check our website below if the weather is wet or windy, or listen to your local cancellation service on the radio. The reserve day will be 16 March 2013.

Potential new sections of transmission line.

PARAPARAUMU NEW SUPPLY FEASIBILITY STUDY FACTSHEET

LEGEND

Substation

Existing Transpower structure

Possible connection

Existing 220 kV overhead line

Existing 110 kV overhead line (could be removed)

Existing 110 kV overhead line (~800 metres could be removed)

Possible 220 kV equipment

Parcel boundary

Existing 110 kV line could be removed from Pauatahanui to Paraparaumu.

Indication of what new 220 kV substation could look like looking west from Valley Road. Planting and screening would occur along the boundary to reduce the visual impact of the substation equipment.

Existing view of 110 kV lines along Valley Road.

Potential view along Valley Road – lines would also be removed along Waterfall Road, by Whateroa Farm and up Transmission Gully to Pauatahanui.

Pauatahanui to Paraparaumu 110kV Line Removal | Landscape and Visual Consideration 5

i. From adjoining areas of Paraparaumu the existing poles appear visible along the skyline and accentuate the presence of the existing electricity substation established at the northern end of Valley Road.

ii. When viewed from along Valley Road, the existing parallel single circuit lines, including poles and elevated crossarms, enclose the road corridor and dominate the skyline in near distance views.

iii. The existing poles and crossarms appear prominent in near distance views from a number of adjoining rural lifestyle properties.

iv. Over longer distances the existing line is also potentially visible from Kapiti Golf Course and Mataihuka (Raumati) Escarpment in the context of the existing road corridor.

v. Other transmission structures which are visible within this area of landscape are more typically located along the periphery of domesticated areas.

Based on the above assessment, the visual assessment concludes that there will be immediate net positive effects which will occur from removing the existing MHO-PKK-A & B lines from within Valley Road. A simulation of the type of visual effects which will occur along Valley Road as seen from Viewpoint 1 (identified in Figure 1) is included below:

Existing view of MHO-PKK A and B lines along Valley Road

Potential view along Valley Road

Pauatahanui to Paraparaumu 110kV Line Removal | Landscape and Visual Consideration 5

i. From adjoining areas of Paraparaumu the existing poles appear visible along the skyline and accentuate the presence of the existing electricity substation established at the northern end of Valley Road.

ii. When viewed from along Valley Road, the existing parallel single circuit lines, including poles and elevated crossarms, enclose the road corridor and dominate the skyline in near distance views.

iii. The existing poles and crossarms appear prominent in near distance views from a number of adjoining rural lifestyle properties.

iv. Over longer distances the existing line is also potentially visible from Kapiti Golf Course and Mataihuka (Raumati) Escarpment in the context of the existing road corridor.

v. Other transmission structures which are visible within this area of landscape are more typically located along the periphery of domesticated areas.

Based on the above assessment, the visual assessment concludes that there will be immediate net positive effects which will occur from removing the existing MHO-PKK-A & B lines from within Valley Road. A simulation of the type of visual effects which will occur along Valley Road as seen from Viewpoint 1 (identified in Figure 1) is included below:

Existing view of MHO-PKK A and B lines along Valley Road

Potential view along Valley Road

Overview of possible new supply connection to Paraparaumu substation and existing transmission line removal.

How does Paraparaumu get its electricity from the National Grid and what would change with this alternative connection?

Presently, Kapiti is supplied from lines that run along Valley Road through Transmission Gully to Wellington. These are part of our regional transmission grid operating at 110,000 Volts (110 kV). Our 220,000 Volt (220 kV) lines run close to our Paraparaumu substation. If it proves feasible to connect Kapiti directly to these, we can remove the regional line.

What will look different if the alternative proceeds?

For most residents in Paraparaumu, there will be very little difference (when looking up from the town centre to the hills on the east where our lines run now). Closer, at the top of Ruapehu Street and to the start of Valley Road, you will see new lines replacing the current lines on poles up the hill, and a more compact substation set back further. For residents along Valley Road through to McKays crossing, the existing lines would be removed.

What is a substation?

A substation contains equipment to connect and disconnect high voltage electricity (known as switchgear). It also contains transformers that lower the voltage of the electricity for supply to your local distribution company Electra.

The work at our substation would be within the existing Transpower land. We would undertake planting and screening to ensure the visual effects of the project within the substation are minimised.

Is the substation going to be noisier?

The two proposed transformers at the substation should be quieter than the two existing ones. We would install noise barriers (eg fences, earth mounds or planting) to reduce the noise if needed.

What are the Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) levels?

The EMF levels for the rebuilt substation will be comparable with other substations. We will comply with the relevant International Commission for Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) limits. The EMF levels of the new transmission line sections would also be within the ICNIRP levels.

Why are we considering this alternative connection?

If the alternative proves feasible, we think it can be a better long-term option for the district and Transpower, provided it is possible to obtain approvals on time.

When will this project be completed?

The removal or realignment of the line is a critical part of being able to start the Transmission Gully highway route. NZTA has indicated they need to access Transmission Gully from as early as 2014. If we cannot be sure we can achieve this alternative, we will carry on with the original line realignment work.

Why don’t you just underground the new section of line?

The two short sections of new overhead line (800 metres) run over undeveloped land up a steep hillside replacing two existing lines, and can be built quickly. Undergrounding would be very difficult and very expensive, and is not a credible option. The ability to build the alternative connection quickly is very important if it is to proceed instead of the currently consented plan to realign the existing line through Transmission Gully.

What are the main risks of this project not going ahead?

If we can verify that it is feasible, gaining the approvals needed and getting the key equipment required in time are the main risks.

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?We have further information including more photo images and additional background available from our website: www.transpower.co.nz/paraparaumu-220-kv-supply-connection

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS