Transpower's $155 million upgrade of key transmission lines between the Clutha and Waitaki rivers, to cater for approved and potential wind farms, is still on track despite the upholding of an appeal against the $2 billion Project Hayes wind farm last week.
Transpower, which owns and operates the national network of high voltage electricity lines, wants to improve the capacity of the lines between Roxburgh and Twizel, Roxburgh and Islington, Aviemore and Livingstone, and Benmore and Aviemore.
The project was announced in July and one of its main aims was to help unlock the potential of renewable generation in Otago and Southland.
The Transpower corporate affairs communications manager, Rebecca Wilson, said the Project Hayes decision would not affect the planned upgrade.
"There are other generation projects also under way, like Mahinerangi, that will benefit from this project.
"In addition, there is also a reliability component to the project. During dry years, if say Manapouri is unable to generate, we will need to shift power south on these upgraded lines."
The lines transfer electricity north, from Otago and Southland, and also help maintain security of supply to the area south of Roxburgh.
Mrs Wilson said Transpower aimed to lodge an investment proposal with the Electricity Commission before the end of the year for approval.
