It has come to vision that a farmer-led lobby group has been unsuccessful in acquiring a judicial review of Transpower's planned pylon line through Waikato.

Another review of the Electricity Commission's decision approving the pylons was sought by New Era Energy, claiming it was biased. It should be noted that farmers and landowners along the route strongly opposed the Transpower's plan for 200km of high pylons, estimated to cost $683 million.

It was today confirmed by the commission today that the request for the judicial review has been refused by the High Court. The decision was welcomed by Commission Chairman David Caygill.

Mr. Caygill informed, "This is the second time in just under a year that the courts have confirmed the commission's approach to reviewing transmission investments. In March 2008, the Court of Appeal upheld the commission's Otahuhu sub-station diversity decision."

It was predicted by New Era that Auckland's security of supply would be reduced by the plan by concentrating transmission in one line, which would result in widespread blackouts if it failed.

According to the group, the construction of one or two new gas-fired generation plants in the Auckland region is the best solution.