Power problems highlighted

Upgrades required to meet the demand for electricity created by new developments included new lines, transformers and substations. Photo / John Borren

Tauranga electricity lines company Powerco is struggling to provide adequate supplies to the rapidly developing suburbs at Papamoa East.

Problems with servicing the area, which included the big subdivision of Wairakei, were highlighted during submissions yesterday on proposed changes to rules in the council's City Plan.

Planning consultant Georgina McPherson said Powerco faced a challenge to deliver electricity to meet development demand at Papamoa East. It was caused by the ribbon development down the narrow coastal strip between the coast and the motorway.

"This means that the few road corridors available are already congested with services and Powerco is struggling to provide adequate supply." She said Powerco did not have an automatic right of access to use the motorway corridor.

The problems at Papamoa East were used to highlight dissatisfaction with some of the proposed changes to infrastructure standards in the City Plan.

Powerco said the council had not considered the implications on infrastructure that was not vested in the council, like power and gas. She had "significant reservations" about creating a different resource management framework for infrastructure on the basis of ownership.

Upgrades required to meet the demand for electricity created by new developments included new lines, transformers and substations. Ms McPherson argued the layout and design stage of subdivisions was the best time to consider the requirements of infrastructure. "Utility corridors and sites need to be incorporated when developments are at an early stage."

The council report said while it was desirable to be able to connect to energy and telecommunication networks, how these private services were delivered depended on the service provider and user choice. It could not be controlled or required to be provided by the council.

Ms McPherson disagreed, saying there was an expectation among buyers of sections that an electricity connection would be available. She argued the council had a wider responsibility to provide for the sustainable management of resources.