The Dunedin City Council-owned power company had hoped to build a higher-capacity substation on Camp Hill Rd, near the Hawea Whitewater Park, to ensure reliable electricity supplies to homes, farms and businesses.
However, following a hearing in August, commissioner Jane Taylor recommended the substation not proceed at the proposed site as it would have ''enduring and significant permanent adverse effects on a sensitive rural and river landscape''.
During the consultation process, mountain bikers and kayakers who use the Hawea River Track and whitewater park argued the substation would detract from the ambience of the river corridor and affect the recreational enjoyment of the area.
Derek Todd, general manager asset management for Delta, which manages and operates the Aurora electricity network, said in a statement this week the company had carefully considered the commissioner's recommendation and the concerns identified.
''We sought, and have been granted, more time so we can investigate options for further mitigation at the proposed Camp Hill site and whether any other alternative sites exist that have not been identified previously.''
The Queenstown Lakes District Council has granted an extension of 30 working days to December 16 to allow Aurora Energy to receive and consider additional expert advice on mitigation options and complete further investigations of its own.
''We are looking to arrive at an acceptable solution for local residents while meeting our statutory requirement to provide secure electricity supplies in the Hawea area, now and into the future,'' Mr Todd said.
