Underground line delay for cabled streets

By BERNARD ORSMAN

The first Auckland streets to get TelstraClear's black cable are likely to go to the end of the queue for underground powerlines.

Powerlines company Vector warns that installation of TelstraClear's overhead cable will lower an area's priority for underground lines.

The arrival of TelstraClear will result in "significant renewal" of existing lines infrastructure, which is likely to delay undergrounding, Vector says in a submission on the TelstraClear application.

In the submission, Vector chief executive Dr Patrick Strange says all Vector poles will have to be strength-tested before TelstraClear can hang its black cable.

"Many electricity lines will have to be re-tensioned to achieve a set clearance between power and telecommunications wires ... The upgrading required will involve significant pole replacement, foundation-strengthening and staying."

Streets where TelstraClear is installing its overhead cable are likely to have their underground lines significantly delayed, the submission says.

Last June, Vector announced plans to spend $10 million a year to revive the underground programme, stalled during the Auckland power crisis in 1998. It plans to concentrate on overhead lines with the poorest condition and performance.

Dr Strange said yesterday that although the $10 million could go to lower charges or a higher dividend, most clients were happy to use it to make the city look better.

TelstraClear spokesman Quentin Bright said Vector's underground priorities were a matter for Vector.

But TelstraClear was ready to share the costs of undergrounding, and where Vector went underground, it would too.

TelstraClear would be happy to discuss the effects of cable rollout on Vector's programme should its applications be successful and "should we decide to build the network".

First it has to resolve a dispute with Vector. The company claims it has access to Vector's poles under a deal signed by Vector's predecessor, Mercury Energy, and TelstraClear's predecessor, Saturn, in 1996.

Vector says it has a contract escape clause in the event of Saturn changing hands.

TelstraClear is going to court in July to get the contract enforced.

Meanwhile, Auckland City councillor Victoria Carter has formed Underground Auckland to promote underground power and telecommunication lines and oppose overhead cables.

She has the backing of 15 people to form an incorporated society, including Labour councillor Richard Northey, former Hobson ward community board member Stephen Goodman, and Terry Gould, of Stop the Eastern Motorway.

Interested people can call her on 529-1121 or
email cr.carter@akcity.govt.nz.