The Government wants to change current energy policy so that Transpower will not need approval from the Electricity Commission for projects costing less than $20 million.
Energy Minister Gerry Brownlee says the government wants to streamline the approval process for Transpower's national grid upgrades, to improve security of supply.
He says many projects are at risk due to delays. If the changes proceed, Mr Brownlee says they will mean quicker upgrades and save time and costs.
The commission says it's not surprised by the proposed changes.
Submissions on the draft policy close on 16 March.
