11. JONATHAN YOUNG (National—New Plymouth) Link to this
to the Minister of Energy and Resources
What reports has he received on approval of investment in the national electricity grid?
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Minister of Energy and Resources) Link to this
I have received a report indicating that last Friday the Electricity Commission announced that it was approving the $473 million North Auckland and Northland project, reversing its earlier decision to decline it. The project will involved installing 37 kilometres of 220 kilovolt underground cable from Pakuranga to Penrose, and then through the central business district into Albany, reducing the risk of events taking out electricity supply to the north of Auckland. The proviso, of course, is that the Electricity Commission has restricted the commissioning date to some years out: 2014.
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE Link to this
The major benefit of the project is that it provides an additional and separate line into North Auckland and Northland, reducing the risk of disruption or blackouts north of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Businesses and consumers in Auckland and North Auckland deserve to have secure electricity supply, and this project will help ensure that.
Mr SPEAKERHon GERRY BROWNLEE Link to this
I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. There was an extraordinary interjection across the House a few minutes ago from Mr Jones suggesting that what I have been talking about was Labour Party policy. I need to tell—