New power link from Te Puke to Papamoa | Bay of Plenty News | Local News in Bay of Plenty

A major new electricity transmission line is planned to be built between Te Puke and Papamoa.

The new link from the national grid to Papamoa East will meet forecasted growth in an area earmarked for development into a satellite city to the Kaituna River.

Plans for the 110,000 volt line were announced by Powerco's transmission manager Kevin Sharp.

Powerco was talking to landowners between Te Puke and Papamoa to find a suitable route and substation site. They are looking around the Eastern Link's roading corridor.

The line will be carried on concrete poles, to a maximum height of 25 metres.

Mr Sharp expected Powerco would start firming up on the route and working through the consents within the next 12 months. "At that stage, all interested parties will be able to make submissions on our plans."

He said Powerco aimed to be fair and consistent in its dealings with land owners. Negotiations regarding easements would be based on reaching mutual agreement. The new transmission line will also improve network reliability to customers in areas surrounding Papamoa.

Meanwhile, the last in Powerco's new substations should be less controversial than the previous three in residential locations of Mount Maunganui, Bethlehem and Papamoa.

Powerco's Neil Holdom said they were planning to build it at the bridge end of Sulphur Point.