The West Coast is welcoming plans which should ensure better electricity supply for the region.

Solid Energy has been granted resource consent for a hydro-electricity generation scheme using water from its Stockton Mine in Buller.

It joins West Coast company Hydro Developments Limited in gaining consent to operate the scheme.

Buller District Council mayor Pat McManus says it’ll provide security of supply for the region.

“I think in the past we’ve been vulnerable to power outages as we only have one main line in and as we know the West Coast can be at times susceptible to earthquakes and bad weather.”

Mr McManus says electricity prices are at a premium in the region, and locally-generated electricity may bring them down.
 

– By Annabel Reid, NewstalkZB.co.nz