Transpower New Zealand has completed the upgrade of the transmission line between Livingstone and Christchurch to provide greater transmission capacity for Upper South Island consumers.

The project involved duplexing the transmission line between Christchurch and Livingstone, essentially adding another wire to each of the three existing wires.

David Laurie, general manager of Transpower’s national grid operations, said that the line upgrade was essential for consumers in Christchurch and the Upper South Island as it increases the transmission capacity of the Livingstone to Christchurch line by 45%.

Mr Laurie said: This project is just one of a number of projects planned or underway to meet increasing demand for electricity in the Upper South Island by providing more transmission capacity.