RMA decision reflects strong collaboration with neighbours
27 November 2017
Commissioners released their findings today into the review of the Te Re Hau
Wind Farm conditions of consent. The s128 review was focussed principally on
noise emissions from the Palmerston North wind farm, owned and operated by
NZX listed independent generator, NZ Windfarms. The decision follows a
hearing held in September.
The decision confirms a range of conditions proposed by NZ Windfarms
following detailed work with near neighbours, reflecting a "change of tack"
at the company since the appointment of a new board and CEO in early 2017.
The commissioners agreed with NZ Windfarms'' proposal to delay the start-up of
two wind turbines located close to residential lots when the wind is light
and in the south-easterly quarter during summer evenings and weekends, and in
doing so subjected a third turbine to this regime. In addition, NZ Windfarms
will replace the gearbox in one of the same turbines with a quieter model
over coming weeks. The decision does not affect the operation of the other
93 turbines on the wind farm site. The decision requires an annual
compliance report and ongoing automated noise monitoring to ensure compliance
with the new conditions.
Board Chairman Rodger Kerr-Newell noted that the decision was a good outcome
for the residents and the company. "My team has worked very hard with our
neighbours to understand these unique issues and find solutions to them -
that we were able to agree on outcomes through dialogue that strike a fair
balance between providing relief and enabling us to generate just shows what
can be achieved with the right attitude."
NZ Windfarms CEO John Worth, who joined the organisation in March, has
spearheaded the change in approach. "We''ve made significant progress in the
last six months; we have changed our operating approach such that our
turbines run less often, we have secured more operating flexibility from the
market regulator, and we''ve worked really closely with our neighbours to
understand issues and find solutions. One of these is a voluntary noise
curtailment regime that we put in place in July that dynamically controls
more than 20 turbines to reduce noise emissions. "As the weather has
improved and people are outdoors more we''re starting to receive feedback that
this is really working," said Worth. "All of these things together are what
a socially responsible generator should be doing. We''re pleased with the
decision because in our view it balances effects on neighbours and impacts on
our revenues, but quite independently of that we remain absolutely committed
to continuing to work with our neighbours to ensure our operations are
sustainable." Those who participated in the review process retain rights of
appeal.
For further information contact:
John Worth
Chief Executive Officer
+64 21 800 310
End CA:00310979 For:NWF Type:GENERAL Time:2017-11-27 17:23:44