Electricity Transmission Reference Group Information Sheet 1 - An Introduction to the Process

Welcome to the first information sheet of the national policy statement on electricity transmission reference group ("the Reference Group").

This work is part of a broader work programme on the Resource Management Act and on infrastructure issues generally.¹

The Reference Group comprises representatives from relevant government departments and nominees of key stakeholder groups (See Box 1).

The Ministers of Environment and Economic Development established the Reference Group to advise on some of the preliminary issues associated with developing a national policy statement (NPS) (see Box 2) on electricity transmission.

In particular, the Reference Group has been asked to:

• Develop an outline of what an NPS could and could not cover
• Confirm whether an NPS on electricity transmission is likely to be beneficial
• Identify and scope related national environmental standards that might complement or substitute for an NPS.

The Reference Group has been asked to consider the merits of an NPS on transmission generically. That is, the process is not about any particular development project. The Reference Group will be looking forward, to consider whether there is enough guidance to ensure that future RMA decisions on transmission - wherever they may be - can be made in the best interests of the country.

The Reference Group has not been tasked with developing an NPS on transmission. If it is decided to proceed with an NPS, who and how that is done will be decided at that stage. The role of the Reference Group, if any, in drafting an NPS has not been determined.

Why Would You Have an NPS on Electricity Transmission and What Would It Say?

The government would want to have an NPS if it thought that local decision making could be improved by a statement of national interest and that there was something the government could usefully add.

At this point in the process the Reference Group has no firm views on what an NPS on electricity transmission might say or if there should be an NPS. It will be working on this very question over the next few weeks.

To be useful, an NPS would have to state policies that help local councils make decisions about whether and/or where electricity transmissions lines should be allowed and how environmental effects should be managed. Crucially, the actual resource management decisions would still be taken at the local level.

As a working assumption, the Reference Group is thinking about electricity transmission in terms of lines that are part of the national transmission network. These will be lines that have national benefits but (largely) local costs - such as local environmental impacts. It is not intended that an NPS would address local distribution lines. The benefits of these lines are felt locally and councils are already well placed to make decisions in relation to such lines.

This proposed scope does, however, remain open for discussion.

Process to Be Followed by the Reference Group

The first meeting of the Reference Group was held in Wellington on Friday 5 February 2005. At that meeting, the Reference Group agreed a process for its work. This process is shown in Figure 1.

This process will see the Reference Group develop and report on the possible scope and potential benefit of an NPS in the first half of 2005. The government will consider that report and make a decision on whether to proceed with the actual drafting of an NPS in July.

Figure 1

→ Text Description of Figure 1

Note that dates are indicative only. Stakeholders will be advised of specific dates for consultation in subsequent information sheets.

What Happens Once the Reference Group Has Reported?

What happens after the Reference Group has reported depends on what it recommends, the comments received on its report and what government decides to do.

If the government decides to proceed with an NPS, Ministers will have to follow the process set out in the Resource Management Act (RMA). A draft NPS will have to be prepared and approved by the government before formal public consultation (following the defined statutory process).

Under the RMA, this process involves establishing a board of inquiry, with that board inviting submissions and conducting hearings. The Government is proposing to amend the RMA to provide for an alternative consultation process as an option to setting up a Board of Inquiry.

Whatever the process, there will be further opportunity for public input.

If a decision is made not to proceed with an NPS, local authorities will continue to make decisions and recommendations on electricity transmission just as they do now. It is also possible that a decision will be made to develop national environmental standards (NESs) instead of (or in addition to) an NPS (see Box 3). If that happens a separate process will be set up to ensure there is public input into the development of such standards. That is also required by the RMA.

Keeping the Community Involved

As shown in Figure 1, specific provision is made later in the process for public comment in around May/June of this year.

In addition, the Reference Group acknowledges that there will be keen interest in this process from some communities and amongst some stakeholder groups. It intends to be proactive and open in its communications with stakeholders.

To help it do this, MED as the lead agency servicing the Reference Group, is compiling a database of stakeholders and interested persons. These people/organisations will be kept informed though information sheets like this one, published at regular intervals.

In addition, a webpage is being set up and kept up-to-date with the developments of each Reference Group meeting.

How Can I Be Involved?

If you are not on the list below and want to be involved in this process or you know someone who you think ought to be involved, please email the address below.

Email: transmission-nps@med.govt.nz

Specific feedback will be sought after the Reference Group has drafted its report (and prior to its submission to Ministers). Remember also that this project is not about specific transmission projects but about transmission generally.

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