13 October 2007

New electricity transmission standards proposed

The consultation process has opened on two proposed national environmental standards for electricity transmission.

“The proposed electricity transmission standards will provide more national guidance under the Resource Management Act – this is a key action identified in the New Zealand Energy Strategy released this week,” says Sue Powell, General Manager at the Ministry for the Environment.

“They are primarily about maintaining and protecting built electricity transmission structures (such as pylons and cables) to help ensure the robustness of the national grid. The standards do not address the building of new transmission lines,” she says.

The standards would ensure national consistency in how the RMA is used with respect to the operation and ongoing maintenance of the national grid. They would also help manage the effects of activities such as digging next to pylons which can damage the grid.

The national grid traverses 72 local and 12 regional councils. A variety of approvals are required under the RMA to operate, maintain and carry out minor upgrades to the grid. The proposed standards could help reduce time spent determining the consent requirements for transmission work in each district.
“These proposed standards are just two of many current initiatives under the RMA to promote consistent decision making process throughout the country,” says Ms Powell.

Consultation on the proposed electricity transmission standards is open until the 30 November 2007. Local government, landowners and any interested people are encouraged to make a submission.

See: www.mfe.govt.nz/laws/standards/electricity-transmission.html

Note for editors
Proposed National Environmental Standards for Electricity Transmission
The first proposed standard covers the operation, maintenance and upgrading of transmission lines (referred to as transmission activities), but does not cover the construction of new lines. It presents a framework for managing the adverse effects of transmission activities, and lists those activities that do not have significant adverse effects as permitted activities (no resource consent is required).

The second proposed standard provides controls on activities adjacent to transmission lines, such as construction and excavation, which could have adverse effects on the transmission infrastructure and could put the transmission network at risk.

About other national guidance under the RMA

National environmental standards
National environmental standards are regulations issued under the RMA. Every regional, city or district council must enforce the same standard. In some circumstances, councils can impose stricter standards.
Currently, we have 14 national environmental standards for air quality.
A standard for sources of human drinking-water has been developed and should be in force next year.
The Government is now developing standards for water measuring devices, ecological flows and telecommunications facilities.
The Ministry is considering further standards to address on-site wastewater systems and contaminated land.

National policy statements:
National policy statements provide guidance on resource management issues of national significance. They help councils decide how competing national benefits and local costs should be balanced. Councils need to ensure that their policy statements and plans give effect to a national policy statement.
The Government is developing national policy statements on electricity transmission, freshwater management and flood risk management. National policy statements on renewable energy and urban design are also being considered.

ENDS

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