ERGANZ has welcomed the passing of legislation to reform New Zealand’s planning system, saying it could help unlock more renewable energy and support the electrification of New Zealand.
The Natural Environment Bill and the Planning Bill, which are both designed to make the planning system more predictable and consistent, passed their third readings on Tuesday.
ERGANZ CEO, Bridget Abernethy said Association members alone have more than $10 billion of planned investment in new generation over the next decade. She believes the reforms will support more investment into renewable generation and energy infrastructure.
“We’re in the middle of the biggest ever building boom of renewable generation in New Zealand’s history and a faster, simpler consenting regime helps attract more capital and build renewables faster,” Ms Abernethy says.
She said bipartisan political support for stable, enduring energy policies are critical for New Zealand’s ongoing electrification.
“The Government itself has acknowledged that New Zealand has an exciting future powered by renewable electricity, and this future is only possible with a modern, reliable electricity system.”
“Our members want to keep investing in new generation to meet growing electricity demand, and these RMA reforms, the fast-track legislation, and changes already made to the National Policy Statement for Renewable Electricity Generation make it easier to do this.
“This lays the foundations for a high-growth economy. It sends positive signals for households and businesses looking to reduce their overall energy costs by swapping out fossil fuels for electric alternatives,” she said.
