Board approves Turoa electrification

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 8, Issue 369, 15 January 1991, Page 3

Board approves Turoa electrification

Approval has been agreed upon for the Turoa skifield conversion from diesel generation to mains power supply in a $1 million project expectcd to be

completed before the 1991 ski season, by the King Country Electric Power Board at their last 1990 meeting. General Manager Peter Till told the board that

some of the work still requires Department of Conservation approval and that discussions are being held on the proposed line to the skifield.

Board approval follows agreement by Turoa Skifields Ltd to guarantee a minimum power usage or payment over a 10 year period. Department of Con-

servation officer Lisle Irwin said DoC was keen to see the project go ahead and that the Department was waiting for application from the board on its planned route for the cable to the skifield. One reason for DoC's acceptance of the idea is tha^ diesel will no longer need to be carted in the park to such an extent, but also power driven lifts were quieter and, he believed, more efficient which would mean a better deal for skiers. He said discussions had been held with the Board and Turoa to decide on the work on the skifield and some of the upper route and that all that remained was to decide on the route through the forest to minimise the impact of the project. There were certain environmental constraints, he said. Options to be looked at for laying the shielded on-ground cable are winching the cable through the forest and laying it by helicopter.

Mr Irwin said discussions between the parties were being held to work on a method which would avoid the need for an environmental impact assessment. Part of the arrangement between the Power Board and Turoa is a covenant on Turoa's

operating licence that ensures the board will be covered should the company sell out. Chairman Ken Street says the agreement to supply Turoa is a major step for the board, and one that offers considerable potential growth in saies.