Transpower and Powerco have released a plan to deliver nine major electricity infrastructure projects over the next decade to meet an expected doubling of electricity demand in the Western Bay of Plenty by 2050.

The Western Bay of Plenty Development Plan outlines upgrades to power lines, substations and transformers to support the region’s growth.

The release follows Commerce Commission approval in June for Transpower to invest $83 million into transmission infrastructure in the region.

Matt Webb, Transpower’s executive general manager, said electricity demand across Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Te Puke and Ōmokoroa was expected to increase 40-75% by 2035 and more than double by 2050.

“Together with Powerco, our role is to ensure infrastructure is built in the right locations, at the right time, in the most cost-efficient way to deliver the region’s power needs now and into the future,” Webb said.

“The region is growing fast, and we need to invest now to enable the region to prosper,” he said.

Potential developments expected to drive demand include industrial growth at Tauriko, the Rangiuru Business Park near Te Puke, several planned coolstores and further expansion at the Port of Tauranga.

Commercial and residential developments in Pyes Pa, Tauriko and Wairakei east of Papamoa are also expected to add pressure to the network.

Transpower and Powerco are exploring transmission and distribution alternatives to optimise the longevity of existing infrastructure.

Webb said the proposal included up to $2.9m for non-transmission solutions such as large batteries and demand response strategies to shift electricity use away from peak periods.

Karen Frew, Powerco’s general manager electricity, said the plan was developed following public consultation in 2023 and 2024.

“Feedback from the region’s leaders was that we needed to ensure our investments supported significant long-term growth while considering the changing future electricity needs of industry, businesses and communities,” Frew said.

She said Powerco would invest in the local electricity network alongside Transpower and continue working with communities to ensure homes and businesses had reliable supply.

More information about the Western Bay of Plenty Development Plan is available at transpower.co.nz/projects/wbop and powerco.co.nz/wbop.