Power aid for Auckland

Transpower and electricity lines company Vector have agreed to work together to improve the security of Auckland's power supply.

After a blackout in the city in June, the two parties have signed a memorandum of understanding.

They were short on detail yesterday but a Vector spokeswoman said it would give Transpower access to some of Vector's network assets.

Vector chief executive officer Mark Franklin said it was a positive step for Auckland electricity users and a clear sign that the industry was co-operating on security of supply issues.

"There is no one 'silver bullet' to solve security of supply issues so aco-operative industry approach is critical," he said.

Franklin said the plan required no immediate capital investment from Vector.

Transpower chief executive Ralph Craven said the agreement would build on upgrades already done to strengthen the main Otahuhu substation.

- NZPA