Transmission
[ Last Updated 24 January 2006 ]
Transpower (an SOE) owns and operates the national electricity transmission system, which comprises switchgear (substations), high voltage cables, transformers and overhead lines for transmitting high voltage electricity from generating stations to distribution (lines) companies.
The grid is an AC transmission system, incorporating a DC connection from the southern South Island (Benmore station on the Waitaki River) across Cook Strait (by undersea cable) to the southern end of the North Island (the HVDC system). Transpower transmits the bulk of New Zealand’s electrical energy throughout the country using high capacity and high voltage transmission lines to regional distribution companies and directly to some large industrial companies.
As the System Operator, Transpower also provides a co-ordination service whereby it schedules the generation of all stations, monitors the interconnected networks, ensures that reliability, voltage and frequency targets are met, and manages grid emergencies. The Electricity Commission manages a service provider contract with Transpower to ensure effective grid management in real time. The System Operator is responsible for the central role of real-time operation of the electricity system.
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