11. CHRIS AUCHINVOLE (National—West Coast-Tasman) to the Minister of Energy and Resources: What reports has he seen about investment in the national electricity grid?
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Minister of Energy and Resources) : I have today seen a report from Transpower stating that it will accelerate a $50 million upgrade programme to maintain and strengthen structures on the national electricity grid. The programme will bring forward required maintenance that had been planned to occur over the next 10 years. It will focus on tower maintenance, civil work, and substation maintenance. I am advised further that an additional $50 million of investment in conductor upgrades will be announced shortly.
Chris Auchinvole: Where will this important infrastructure work take place?
Hon GERRY BROWNLEE: The work will be mainly in rural areas and will take place all around New Zealand. The work will employ relatively high levels of local labour and use locally sourced materials, so it will provide much-needed economic stimulus in those parts of New Zealand.
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