Fears for electricity supply in North

Transpower is asking for help to avert a possible electricity shortage north of Auckland.

The national grid operator believes electricity demand in the area is likely to exceed the system's capacity by 2013.

Transpower spokesman Chris Roberts says they have looked at transmission options and want to hear about ideas on other solutions, such as new generation options or demand-reduction plans.

He says it is a case of making the right choices and doing the planning now so there are not any problems seven years from now.

- NEWSTALK ZB