Central Otago Mayor Malcolm Macpherson said earlier this week he thought further hydro development on the Clutha was "less likely" as a result of the Environment Court declining consents for Meridian Energy's $2 billion wind farm on the Lammermoor Range.
The decision had lifted the bar for consents for renewable energy projects nationwide, he said.
Contact has sought feedback on four proposals for hydro development on the Clutha and spokesman Jonathan Hill said yesterday the company's plans took on even more importance for New Zealand now that the wind farm had been halted.
"The South Island still needs new generation. There's been very little built in the South Island over the past 10 years and all indications are that demand for power will continue to grow," he said.
"We've focused on the Clutha as a previously modified catchment."
The Project Hayes decision had not slowed or halted Contact's plans.
"Nothing's been put on the backburner. If anything, it's made this project all the more important," he said.
Contact was continuing to consult communities about the dams proposed for Luggate, Queensberry, Beaumont and Tuapeka.
"We're confidently following our timeline for consultation with local communities on the Clutha proposals and we've always seen this as a long-term project. We're taking our time and continuing to have good dialogue with anyone interested in the project."
Groups opposed to more dams on the Clutha said the wind farm decision was "common sense".
Several groups have banded together to form the Clutha River Forum and forum spokesman Lewis Verduyn said the Project Hayes decision "has not only lifted the consenting bar, it has lifted the spirits of those who cherish this landscape".
"Think Big" was dying, Mr Verduyn said.
"It has raised its head too often. We have learned that the price is too high."
