The following tables examine the objective and policies contained in the NPSET and discuss possible regional or district policy responses to each policy. It is recommended that councils work with Transpower when reviewing policies on the relevant aspects of NPSET.
3.1 Objective
To recognise the national significance of the electricity transmission network by facilitating the operation, maintenance and upgrade of the existing transmission network and the establishment of new transmission resources to meet the needs of present and future generations, while:
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| At some point before 10 April 2012 councils will need to review their current policies and provisions to determine whether they are adequately giving effect to the NPSET. This review needs to do more than determine whether any provision is not inconsistent with the NPSET. Provisions must be evaluated to determine whether they are giving effect to the NPSET. ‘Giving effect’ is a proactive term, indicating that some form of response is required to ensure that priority is given to the transmission network as a nationally significant resource. The word ‘facilitating’ in the objective also implies a proactive response, by requiring local authorities to determine ways to aid or assist in the “operation, maintenance and upgrade of the existing transmission network and the establishment of new transmission resources”, while managing adverse effects of and on the network. | |
| Regional response | Territorial response |
| Regional councils must provide some form of specific recognition and provision for the transmission network in their regional policy statements and relevant regional plans. If this response is part of a suite of provisions on infrastructure or network utilities, the transmission network should be specifically provided for. | Territorial local authorities must provide some form of specific recognition and provision for the transmission network in their district plan objectives, policies, methods and rules (if appropriate). If this response is part of a suite of provisions on infrastructure or network utilities, the transmission network should be specifically provided for. |
3.2 Recognition of the national benefits of transmission
| Policy 1 In achieving the purpose of the Act, decision-makers must recognise and provide for the national, regional and local benefits of sustainable, secure and efficient electricity transmission. The benefits relevant to any particular project or development of the electricity transmission network may include: i) maintained or improved security of supply of electricity; or ii) efficient transfer of energy through a reduction of transmission losses; or iii) the facilitation of the use and development of new electricity generation, including renewable generation which assists in the management of the effects of climate change; or iv) enhanced supply of electricity through the removal of points of congestion. The above list of benefits is not intended to be exhaustive and a particular policy, plan, project or development may have or recognise other benefits. | |
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| All regions and districts in New Zealand (other than the Chatham Islands) contain part of the electricity transmission network, so the benefits of these assets apply across the country and should be recognised and provided for by all regional policy statements and district plans, and when considering resource consent applications. The term ‘provide for’ in Policy 1 is a proactive one requiring an active and enabling response by both regional councils and territorial authorities. The form, function and environmental context of transmission assets varies considerably across the country; for example, some regions/districts contain only spur lines for supplying the local area, while others contain critical components of the national supply of electricity. However, all of the benefits identified in Policy 1 are relevant to all parts of the network, and thus to all regions and districts. In addition to the benefits identified in the NPSET, projects will also have specific benefits. For significant upgrading work or proposed new lines, these benefits will be identified by Transpower when seeking statutory approvals under the RMA. Note: Supporting information on the benefits of the grid is provided in the Technical Information on Electricity Transmission. | |
| Regional response | Territorial response |
| Review regional policy statement objectives, policies and methods relating to significant infrastructure and/or energy, providing direction on regional plan responses. Increasingly, regional policy statements contain policies on “regionally significant infrastructure” such as airports, ports, gas pipelines, and public wastewater treatment plants. While such policies provide an obvious place to give effect to NPSET Policy 1, such an approach must not confuse national benefits with regional benefits, because the transmission network provides a scale of national benefits not afforded by many regional facilities. | Review district plan objectives, policies, methods and rules for network utilities, infrastructure and/or energy. Increasingly, district plans include provisions on significant district infrastructure or, more commonly, network utilities and energy. While such provisions provide an obvious place to give effect to Policy 1 of the NPSET and to give explicit recognition of the benefits of electricity transmission, such an approach must not confuse national benefits with district benefits, because the transmission network provides a scale of national benefits not afforded by many district facilities. |
| Example policy response reference (Part 4) | Example policy response reference (Part 4) |
| Refer to all Objective, Policy and Method examples. | Refer to all Objective, Policy and Method examples. |
3.3 Managing the environmental effects of transmission
| Policy 2 In achieving the purpose of the Act, decision-makers must recognise and provide for the effective operation, maintenance, upgrading and development of the electricity transmission network. | |
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| Giving effect to this policy is a critical part of responding to the NPSET and should also be part of responding to NPSET Policy 1. This policy is an overarching one, relating to both provision for the ongoing operation, maintenance and minor upgrading of transmission infrastructure (NPSET Policies 3 and 5) and to the long-term planning and development of the transmission network (NPSET Policies 4, 6, 7, 8, 13 and 14). Implementing this policy requires a balanced approach, recognising the importance and benefits of electricity transmission while managing the use and development of the transmission network and it effects. In particular, it requires a proactive approach to identify opportunities for providing for the use and development of the transmission network, in accordance with the principles of sustainable management. The term ‘recognise’ implies some form of explicit identification of the transmission network within a region. The term ‘provide for’ is also a proactive one, requiring an active and enabling response by councils. | |
| Regional response | Territorial response |
| Review regional policy statement objectives, policies and methods on significant infrastructure and/or energy. An important facet of this policy is that regional councils must be satisfied they have duly recognised and provided for the transmission network as part of their functions under the Act. This policy relates to the regional council’s function under section 30(1)(gb) of the RMA to integrate infrastructure with land-use planning. In responding to this policy, a regional policy statement should contain policies to protect the grid from the adverse effects of third parties putting constraints on the effective operation, maintenance, upgrading and development of the network (refer to NPSET Policies 10 and 11). It should also promote the corridor management approach (see ‘Transmission corridor’ in the Terminology section), providing for the ongoing operation, maintenance and minor upgrading of the transmission network. This approach recognises the need to provide for common transmission line activities, focusing policy frameworks on the potentially more significant effects associated with new line and major upgrading. The regional policy statement can provide direction on the need for the development of the transmission network within a region, using the consent process to ensure a robust assessment of a proposed new line or major upgrading in which positive and negative effects are considered, and opportunities to avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse effects are identified. Another important role of regional policy statements in this respect is to address the cross-boundary issues associated with managing the electricity transmission network within a region to ensure a consistent approach by the constituent districts, particularly in relation to cross-boundary transmission upgrades and development. | Review district plan objectives, policies and rules (if appropriate) on network utilities, infrastructure and/or energy. The “effective operation, maintenance, and minor upgrading” aspects of this policy would be largely implemented through the National Environmental Standard on Transmission Activities (NESTA). The NESTA provides for the operation, maintenance and upgrading of the existing transmission network, making provision for such work through various performance standards and activity classifications, based on the scale and type of environmental effects. However, the NESTA does not cover new line development. Another important part of the response to this policy would be district plan provisions (rules where appropriate) for managing the adverse effects of third parties; for example, in making decisions on land development proposals that may adversely affect the long-term use and development of transmission infrastructure. This example emphasises the role the NPSET has in guiding decision-making on consents. Such policies can be provided through a corridor management approach, within which sensitive land-use activities should be managed to reduce safety issues and to limit the constraints imposed by the proximity of structures and land uses on the ongoing operation and maintenance of the transmission infrastructure. Another element of a corridor management approach is to provide for performance and development standards for transmission activities that allow for the operation, maintenance and minor upgrading of transmission infrastructure. Even where a transmission line traverses areas of high value, it is important to ensure the reasonable operation, maintenance and minor upgrading of transmission infrastructure. Potential effects stemming from transmission activities could be addressed through the resource consent process (ie, through consent conditions.) |
| Example policy response reference (Part 4) | Example policy response reference (Part 4) |
| Refer to all Objective, Policy and Method examples. | Refer to all Objective, Policy and Method examples. |
| Policy 3 When considering measures to avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse environmental effects of transmission activities, decision-makers must consider the constraints imposed on achieving those measures by the technical and operational requirements of the network. | |
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| This policy seeks to ensure that conditions of resource consents or designations recognise the underlying technical and operational requirements of the network. The adverse effects of such facilities cannot always be avoided without unreasonable cost or constraints on the operation and use of transmission infrastructure. There is an onus on Transpower to consider and propose measures to avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse environmental effects of transmission activities. It is recommended that an effective approach would be to apply the best practicable option principle in considering measures to avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse effects, which would take into account the practicality, costs and technical and operational constraints involved with alternative methods. For example, undergrounding high-voltage transmission lines entails not only technical constraints and significant costs, but also imposes significant constraints on the use of the land above the line. Policy 3 needs to be considered in the context of the planning and development of the transmission network, particularly NPSET Policies 7 and 8. For existing transmission lines this policy is largely covered by the NESTA. Note: A discussion on the constraints imposed on achieving measures to avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse environmental effects and alternative transmission methods is provided in the Technical Information on Electricity Transmission. | |
| Regional response | Territorial response |
| Include provisions to manage the adverse environmental effects of transmission activities. Regional policy statements could address this policy as part of the provisions for recognising the technical and operational requirements of the network. A regional policy statement should provide explicit direction on dealing with a new line or major upgrading on a holistic basis, recognising that transmission lines usually traverse many districts. In considering how to avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse effects, a regional policy statement could require councils to adopt a ‘whole-of-line’ approach, recognising the differing values of alternative methods to avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse effects at differing scales. For example, the benefits of imposing any route changes, or of requiring the provision of offsets, should be measured against the entire route. | Include provisions to manage the adverse environmental effects of transmission activities. District plan policies for the electricity transmission network could address this matter as part of their provisions for recognising the technical and operational requirements of the network (eg, in directing flexible approaches to condition setting, such as the use of outline development plans and management plans for designations). When developing rules for environments traversed by the national grid, decision-makers should ensure the grid is not unduly constrained by those provisions that fail to recognise the technical and operational requirements of the network, such as a lack of provision for:
This limitation imposes an obligation on Transpower to ensure the specific constraints relating to any particular project or transmission asset are adequately identified in any application. Refer to the technical information on the NPSET and NESTA for further detail on these matters. |
| Example policy response reference (Part 4) | Example policy response reference (Part 4) |
| Objectives R1.2 and R1.3 Policies R2.1, R2.2, R2.4, R2.8 and R2.10 Method R3.2 and R3.3 | Objectives D1.1 and D1.2 Policies D2.2 and D2.5 Methods D3.1 and D3.2 |
| Policy 4 When considering the environmental effects of new transmission infrastructure or major upgrades of existing transmission infrastructure, decision-makers must have regard to the extent to which any adverse effects have been avoided, remedied or mitigated by the route, site and method selection. | |
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| The application of the concept of net environmental benefits would be appropriate in terms of determining the overall preferred route, taking all matters – costs and benefits – into account. The application of net environmental benefits has to be undertaken on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific context and circumstances of particular proposals. Policy 4 has direct significance for decision-making on resource consent applications and notices of requirement. In applying Policy 4, regard must also be given to the direction under NPSET Policy 3 to recognise the constraints imposed on avoiding, remedying or mitigating adverse effects by the technical and operational requirements of the network. The Electricity Commission currently has a role in assessing and agreeing to any specific proposal for new electricity infrastructure, including the costs of both the works and any of the measures to avoid, remedy or mitigate effects. Note: Information on the planning processes involved with the transmission network, including the ACRE model for route, site and method selection, is provided in the Technical Information on Electricity Transmission. | |
| Regional response | Territorial response |
| Provide a direction to district plans as part of a broader policy on managing the adverse environmental effects of transmission activities. The regional policy statement could address this matter as part of a policy on managing the effects of nationally significant infrastructure within a region, with regard to ensuring a consistent approach to new or upgraded lines across districts within the region. In particular, a policy could require specific recognition in the decision-making process of what reduction in effects has been achieved through site/route selection. As with NPSET Policy 3, the regional policy statement should direct a ‘whole-of-line’ approach to considering how to avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects of major transmission line projects. | Include provisions to manage the adverse environmental effects of transmission activities. In responding to NPSET Policy 3, some provision could be included within a policy on managing the effects of new/upgraded infrastructure and network utilities. In particular, specific recognition of the reduction in effects achieved through site/route selection should be made in consenting projects (eg, the benefits achieved by avoiding significant adverse effects on landscape through route selection, and alternative alignments within a route). |
| Example policy response reference (Part 4) | Example policy response reference (Part 4) |
| Objectives R1.2 and R1.3 Policies R2.1, R2.2, R2.4 and R2.9 Methods R3.2 and R3.3 | Objectives D1.1 and D1.2 Policies D2.2, D2.3, D2.4 and D2.8 Methods D3.1, D3.2 and D3.5 |
| Policy 5 When considering the environmental effects of transmission activities associated with transmission assets, decision-makers must enable the reasonable operational, maintenance and minor upgrade requirements of established electricity transmission assets. | |
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| The response to this policy should recognise that, in assessing the effects of minor upgrading, the effects of the existing transmission infrastructure provide a baseline, and that the effects of any proposed changes should be considered as additional to those baseline effects. Addressing this policy therefore requires identifying and assessing the marginal effects of proposed works with regard to the operational, maintenance and minor upgrade requirements of established assets. It also places an onus on Transpower to ensure these requirements are described clearly. Transpower should supply information on its assets to councils when applying for certificates of compliance for permitted activities or consent for maintenance and upgrading. This is particularly relevant where there is potential for ‘creep’ (eg, of tower height). This information will provide local authorities with baseline data on specific assets. | |
| Regional response | Territorial response |
| Address through policy on regionally significant infrastructure or other relevant policies (as for NPSET Policy 2). This is a relevant policy for decision-makers giving effect to the NESTA for transmission line proposals requiring resource consent under the NESTA. Policy 5 would direct that any conditions imposed on transmission projects should not unreasonably constrain the operational, maintenance and minor upgrade requirements of established electricity transmission assets. | Address through a district plan policy giving effect to NPSET Policy 2. This is a relevant policy for decision-makers giving effect to the NESTA for transmission line proposals requiring resource consent under the NESTA. Policy 5 would direct that any conditions imposed on transmission projects should not unreasonably constrain the operational, maintenance and minor upgrade requirements of established electricity transmission assets. |
| Example policy response reference (Part 4) | Example policy response reference (Part 4) |
| Objective R1.3 Policies R2.1, R2.2 and R2.3 Method R3.1 | Objective D1.1 Policies D2.4 and D2.8 Method D3.3 |
| Policy 6 Substantial upgrades of transmission infrastructure should be used as an opportunity to reduce existing adverse effects of transmission including such effects on sensitive activities where appropriate. | |
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| Much of the onus of responding to Policy 6 is on Transpower, which, when preparing notices of requirement or applications for consent, is under an obligation to demonstrate that it has examined opportunities and alternatives when proposing substantial upgrades of transmission infrastructure. The policy indicates that upgrades can provide an opportunity to reduce existing effects in some cases. ‘Upgrade’ refers to making changes to existing transmission lines, usually to provide either for increased security in transmission or increased capacity to transmit electricity. The options for upgrading an existing line are therefore different to those that might be considered for a new line (refer to the Technical Information on Electricity Transmission). ‘Substantial’ is not defined, but in the context of this policy it clearly relates to an upgrade of an existing line that is beyond minor. Policy 6 indicates that a substantial upgrade project should provide opportunities to achieve environmental enhancements.This policy must be read in conjunction with Policy 3, in that there may be technical and operational requirements of the network that constrain the ability to reduce existing effects. Undergrounding transmission lines is commonly suggested as a method for reducing existing effects, but there are some significant constraints involved with this method that limit its appropriateness and feasibility (refer to the Technical Information on Electricity Transmission for further discussion on undergrounding lines). When considering upgrade options for transmission infrastructure, the scale and extent of existing adverse effects and the effects of alternatives need to be taken into account. Note: In the NPSET a ‘sensitive activity’ “includes schools, residential buildings and hospitals”. The NPSET does not explain the sensitivity, but it is likely to be based on environmental effects (such as amenity values) and relative risks to safety and health. While some matters can be scientifically quantified, many of the ‘effects’ associated with reverse sensitivity issues are related to matters of perception and subjectivity, and are difficult to quantify. | |
| Regional response | Territorial response |
| It may be appropriate to consider Policy 6 in developing regional policies on significant infrastructure within a region, particularly in reference to policies on existing infrastructure. | Policy 6 may have some relevance for district plan policy-making. At a broad level, this aspect should also be addressed in response to NPSET Policy 4. It may be appropriate to consider Policy 6 in developing district plan provisions on significant infrastructure within a district, particularly where there is a significant resource management issue in which the presence of existing transmission line(s) is relevant (eg, in developing policies on residential areas). In such circumstances, there should be some policy guidance on how to respond to such issues, particularly where there are significant constraints involved in making major changes to routes or transmission methods. |
| Example policy response reference (Part 4) | Example policy response reference (Part 4) |
| Policy R2.2 | Policy D2.2 |
| Policy 7 Planning and development of the transmission system should minimise adverse effects on urban amenity and avoid adverse effects on town centres and areas of high recreational value or amenity and existing sensitive activities. | |
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| Policy 7 is most relevant for decision-makers when considering notices of requirement or applications for resource consent. Much of the onus of responding to this policy is on Transpower, which is under an obligation to demonstrate that it has examined opportunities and alternatives for minimising adverse effects when planning and developing transmission infrastructure. There may be significant operational and technical constraints involved with alternative methods. In this regard, the best practicable option principle is a potentially useful tool (see commentary on NPSET Policy 3). In regard to ‘substantial upgrades’ of existing lines in urban areas, the response to Policy 6 is relevant. It should be emphasised that where possible Transpower should seek to avoid urban areas when planning new lines. There is a presumption that high-value areas are identified in plans. Policy 7 has an urban focus, and is therefore the counterpart to Policy 8, which has a rural focus. Note: Information on the planning processes involved with the transmission network, including the ACRE model for route, site and method selection, is provided in the Technical Information on Electricity Transmission. | |
| Regional response | Territorial response |
| Address through provisions to manage the adverse effects of transmission activities. At a regional level, direction should be given on appropriate locations for future transmission assets. In particular, this policy should be reflected in growth strategies and in any regional policies to protect urban amenity and sensitive areas and activities. Policy 7 may have some relevance for regional policy-making on any of the matters specified in Policy 7, or, more broadly, on managing the effects of regionally significant infrastructure. | May have some relevance for district plan policies on specific issues relating to urban amenity values, town centres and reverse sensitivity. A district plan may have a particular resource management issue for which this policy is relevant, such as managing residential areas in which there is an existing transmission line. In developing such policies, district plans should contain clear explanations of the values to which provisions on these issues relate (eg, any areas identified as having “high recreation values”). Councils should be cautious in introducing policies and provisions such as blanket urban amenity protection that would effectively prevent Transpower from considering alternative methods to respond to Policy 7. Preferably, policies should provide guidance on the appropriate ways to minimise adverse effects or, at the very least, recognise the technical and operational constraints involved with the use of alternative methods (refer NPSET Policy 5). |
| Example policy response reference (Part 4) | Example policy response reference (Part 4) |
| Objective R1.3 Policy R2.4 Methods R3.1 and R3.6 | Policies D2.2, D2.3, D2.7 and D2.8 |
| Policy 8 In rural environments, planning and development of the transmission system should seek to avoid adverse effects on outstanding natural landscapes, areas of high natural character and areas of high recreation value and amenity and existing sensitive activities. | |
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| Policy 8 is most relevant to decision-making on resource consent applications and responding to notices of requirement. The onus of responding to Policy 8 is largely on Transpower, which is under an obligation to demonstrate that it has examined opportunities and alternatives for avoiding adverse effects when planning and developing transmission infrastructure. The critical aspect of Policy 8 is the phrase “should seek to avoid”, which emphasises a proactive and constructive approach to the selection of routes and the assessment of effects. In this regard, the concept of best practicable option is a useful tool (see commentary on NPSET Policy 3). This policy falls within the broader ambit of NPSET Policy 4 in regard to managing the effects of the development of transmission infrastructure. This could include a requirement for an analysis of alternative routes, sites and methods, and could include criteria or matters to consider in that process. In regard to any substantial upgrades of existing lines in rural areas, the response to Policy 6 is relevant. There is a presumption that high-value areas are identified in plans. The rural focus of Policy 8 is the counterpart to the urban focus of Policy 7. Note: Information on the planning processes involved with the transmission network, including the ACRE model for route, site and method selection, is provided in the Technical Information on Electricity Transmission. | |
| Regional response | Territorial response |
| Address through provisions to manage the adverse effects of transmission activities. To respond to this policy, a regional policy statement could:
Alternatively this policy could, in part, be responded to through other regional policy statement policies (eg, on outstanding landscapes). | May have some relevance for district plan policies on specific issues. A district plan could include policies to proactively identify opportunities for identifying best practicable options for avoiding adverse effects for areas that may come within the scope of NPSET Policy 8. In particular, landscape policies should include proactive provisions for finding measures that would avoid adverse effects on outstanding landscapes and natural features, areas with high natural character, and, if relevant, areas of high recreation and high amenity values. |
| Example policy response reference (Part 4) | Example policy response reference (Part 4) |
| Objective R1.3 Policy R2.4 Methods R3.1 and R3.6 | Policies D2.2, D2.7 and D2.8 |
| Policy 9 Provisions dealing with electric and magnetic fields associated with the electricity transmission network must be based on the‘International Commission on Non-ionising Radiation protection guidelines’ for limiting exposure to time varying electric magnetic fields (up to 300 GHz) (Health Physics, 1998, 74(4): 494‑522) and recommendations from the World Health Organization monograph Environment Health Criteria (No 238, June 2007) or revisions thereof and any applicable New Zealand standards or national environmental standards. | |
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| For existing transmission lines, this policy is largely implemented through the NESTA. New lines referring to International Commission on Non-ionising Radiation (ICNIRP) guidelines may be appropriate. It is important to highlight the fact that Policy 9 does not require councils to deal with electromagnetic fields (EMF). Transpower monitors its high-voltage electricity transmission network to ensure that it meets the ICNIRP guidelines. See the Technical Information on Electricity Transmission (and in particular the EMF reference materials identified in the guidance) or visit http://www.transpower.co.nz/emf-commitment for more information. | |
| Regional response | Territorial response |
| Not necessary. | A district plan policy on managing new lines or major upgrades referring to the ICNIRP guidelines may be appropriate, supported by a specific permitted activity standard on EMF that mirrors that within the NESTA. For new lines it is also appropriate to consider the application of prudent avoidance or very low cost precautionary measures in line with World Health Organization recommendations. |
| Example policy response reference (Part 4) | Example policy response reference (Part 4) |
| Objective R1.3 Policies R2.5, R2.6 and R2.8 | Policies D2.1 and D2.2 Methods D3.1 and D3.4 |
3.4 Managing the adverse effects of third parties on the transmission network
| Policy 10 In achieving the purpose of the Act, decision-makers must to the extent reasonably possible manage activities to avoid reverse sensitivity effects on the electricity transmission network and to ensure that operation, maintenance, upgrading, and development of the electricity transmission network is not compromised. | |
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| Policy 10 requires councils to manage both third-party activities that are sensitive to the effects of the electricity transmission network and third-party activities that would compromise the operation, maintenance, upgrading and development of the electricity transmission network. The phrase ‘reasonably possible’ reflects the fact that it may not be reasonable or practicable to avoid all adverse effects, both because of the operational and technical constraints of Transpower, and also because of the potential impositions on property owners that controls could have on their ability to reasonably use their land. Policy 11 is relevant to responding to Policy 10, particularly in terms of the identification and use of buffer corridors. In identifying corridors, the emphasis should be on managing development and activities that pose a risk to, or are at risk from, the efficient operation of the transmission network. There is a large degree of subjectivity involved in assessing amenity effects as they relate to reverse sensitivity. Amenity concerns can often be managed by good design of subdivision and/or developments and mitigation options. Policy 10 is also relevant for decision-making on resource consent applications. Note: Refer to Further Guidance on Risks of Development near High-voltage Transmission Linesfor further information on the risks of development and activities on the transmission network. | |
| Regional response | Territorial response |
| Address through a policy that avoids compromising the electricity transmission network, including reverse sensitivity issues. No specific policy is needed other than through policy on regionally significant infrastructure (possibly as part of a policy in response to Policy 1 and 2). A policy to require a corridor management approach could be appropriate, either separately or as part of a policy on the consistent cross-boundary management of the electricity transmission network within a region. Such a policy would require a consistent minimum width of corridor to be applied throughout the districts, although wider corridors may be applied if required. | Address through policies, methods and rules that provide a corridor management approach. District plans should include a policy to apply a corridor management approach within which appropriate controls are imposed. Such controls should provide an envelope of effects to allow for both ongoing operation, maintenance and minor upgrading of the transmission infrastructure, and should seek to prevent development and activities that may endanger people or property by being too close to transmission lines. This would be supported by district plan policies on providing for transmission infrastructure and its operation, maintenance and minor upgrading. There is a need for a minimum corridor width to be consistently applied within a district, although wider corridors may be applied if required. |
| Example policy response reference (Part 4) | Example policy response reference (Part 4) |
| Objectives R1.2 and R1.3 Policies R2.1, R2.2, R2.4, R2.5, R2.6, R2.7, R2.8, R2.9 and R2.10 Methods R3.1, R3.2, R3.3, R3.4 and R3.5 | Policies D2.2, D2.5 and D2.6 Methods D3.1, D3.4, D3.5 and D3.6 |
| Policy 11 Local authorities must consult with the operator of the national grid, to identify an appropriate buffer corridor within which it can be expected that sensitive activities will generally not be provided for in plans and/or given resource consent. To assist local authorities to identify these corridors, they may request the operator of the national grid to provide local authorities with its medium to long-term plans for the alteration or upgrading of each affected section of the national grid (so as to facilitate the long-term strategic planning of the grid). | |
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| Early dialogue with Transpower about its long-term planning is a critical part of responding to Policy 11. Transpower will assist by providing its annual plan, which gives information about the capabilities of the existing national grid, the ability of the national grid to meet future demand and generation needs (including renewable generation), and investment in the national grid that may be required to meet future needs for the next 10 years and beyond. However, it must be emphasised that such planning is dynamic over time and will change as requirements, pressures and resources change. The creation of buffer corridors would not result in ‘sterilised’ land-use corridors. A range of land use can still occur within such corridors with little or minimal risks of adverse effects on the operational and maintenance requirements of Transpower. Also, the resource consent process for some developments and activities within the buffer corridor would ensure that appropriate design and performance controls could be imposed without unduly impeding land use. Note: In the NPSET a ‘sensitive activity’ “includes schools, residential buildings and hospitals”. The NPSET does not define sensitivity, but it is likely to be based on environmental effects (such as amenity values) and relative risks to safety and health.The supporting publication Further Guidance on Risks of Development near High-voltage Transmission Linesprovides further information on the risks of development and activities on the transmission network. | |
| Regional response | Territorial response |
| Address through policies on the strategic integration of infrastructure with land use. Under section 30(1)(gb) of the RMA, regional authorities are responsible for the strategic integration of infrastructure (which includes transmission lines) with land use through objectives, policies and methods. Such integration is particularly important when developing any policies on urban growth management in terms of providing for regionally significant infrastructure, including transmission corridors. | Address through policies, methods and rules on providing a corridor management approach. This policy can be addressed through the application of the corridor management approach, with appropriate controls that provide for the ongoing operation, maintenance and minor upgrading of transmission infrastructure. This would be supported by district plan policy on providing for transmission infrastructure. A district plan could also include a method to have a council work with Transpower. |
| Example policy response reference (Part 4) | Example policy response reference (Part 4) |
| Objective R1.2 Policies R2.1, R2.2, R2.4, R2.5, R2.6, R2.7, R2.8, R2.9 and R2.10 Methods R3.1, R3.2, R3.3, R3.4 and R3.5 | Policies D2.1, D2.2, D2.5 and D2.6 Method D3.1, D3.2, D3.4, D3.5 and D3.6 |
| Policy 12 Territorial authorities must identify the electricity transmission network on their relevant planning maps whether or not the network is designated. | |
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| Transpower will continue to supply all local authorities with GIS information on the location of existing transmission assets. | |
| Regional response | Territorial response |
| Regional policy statement maps where reference to the presence of a transmission line would be appropriate/useful (eg, regional growth strategies). Regional policy statements could require that a consistent approach to identifying the electricity transmission network be adopted by district plans. Identify transmission lines on maps within regional plans, if appropriate. | The transmission network must be identified on planning maps, with buffer corridors identified where the map scale permits. Preferably, again as scale permits, the location of specific towers, lines and substations should be shown on maps, particularly in urban areas where the specific location of towers is most important. |
| Example policy response reference (Part 4) | Example policy response reference (Part 4) |
| Policies R2.8 and R2.9 Methods R3.1, R3.2, R3.3 and R3.5 | Policies D2.1, D2.5 and D2.6 Methods D3.5 and D3.6 |
3.5 Long-term strategic planning for transmission assets
| Policy 13 Decision-makers must recognise that the designation process can facilitate long-term planning for the development, operation and maintenance of electricity transmission infrastructure. | |
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| Regional policy statements and district plans can facilitate long-term planning for transmission infrastructure. In achieving this, designations for existing and future corridors could provide for the ongoing operation and maintenance and minor upgrading of the network. Note: Information on the planning processes involved with the transmission network, including route, site and method selection, is provided in the Technical Information on Electricity Transmission. | |
| Regional response | Territorial response |
| Develop a specific regional policy statement policy on designations. In making provision for the planning and development of the electricity transmission network, a regional policy statement should contain a policy to provide for a long-term corridor management approach that includes the use of designations when sought by Transpower. In particular, a regional policy should recognise the long-term and dynamic nature of network planning and development by encouraging flexibility through the use of outline plans (section 176A of the RMA) and management plan conditions of designations. Such conditions could provide for an ‘envelope of effects’ that allows for the ongoing operation, maintenance and minor upgrading of a new or upgraded line); for example, flexibility in the choice of technology (such as thermal rating) where the effects differ slightly from the existing situation. In responding to NPSET Policy 4, a regional policy statement should ensure consistency in approach between districts on cross-boundary projects (ie, consistency in the duration of and conditions on corridor designations). This could refer to the ability of Transpower to use designations as a mechanism for providing flexibility and long-term planning of transmission corridors. | Develop specific district plan policy and methods. District plan policies on providing for infrastructure should include reference to the use of the designation process by Transpower, and the need to ensure any such conditions provide some flexibility in allowing for the ongoing operation, maintenance and minor upgrading of the new or upgraded transmission line, such as the use of outline plans and management plan conditions. Such conditions could provide for an ‘envelope of effects’ that allows for the ongoing operation, maintenance and minor upgrading of a new or upgraded line. The appropriate information required for such conditions could be specified in the information requirements for notices of requirement. |
| Example policy response reference (Part 4) | Example policy response reference (Part 4) |
| Objective R1.1 Policies R2.3 and R2.8 Methods R3.1, R3.4 and R3.5 | Policies D2.4, D2.5 and D2.8 Methods D3.1, D3.2 and D3.5 |
| Policy 14 | |
|---|---|
| Responding to this policy is connected with the response to Policy 13, particularly in terms of the need to provide flexibility in the long-term development of transmission corridors. Councils should proactively consult Transpower when undertaking longer term planning exercises in areas where there are existing or planned transmission lines. It should be emphasised that the planning for the development of the transmission network is a dynamic process. For example, the provision of new electricity generation facilities within an area will shape Transpower’s planning as to where new transmission lines are required. Note: Information on the planning processes involved with the transmission network, including route, site and method selection, is provided in the Technical Information on Electricity Transmission. | |
| Regional response | Territorial response |
| Develop regional policy statement policy on integrated land-use planning for transmission corridor management, and through the provisions of regional plans.
| Possible additions through policies for the significant infrastructure. Although not specifically required under the NPSET, it may be appropriate for district plans to include a policy on recognising and providing for significant infrastructure in their growth management policies and/or in any policies on managing district infrastructure. |
| Example policy response reference (Part 4) | Example policy response reference (Part 4) |
| Objectives R1.1, R1.2 and R1.3 Policies R2.8 and R2.9 Methods R3.1, R3.5 and R3.6 | Policies D2.2, D2.3 and D2.4 Method D3.1 |
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3. Analysis of the National Policy Statement on Electricity Transmission
January 2009
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