Originally Posted by
trackers
I've got a friend fairly high up in Meridian, so I've got an insight to this.
Essentially from what I understand, Rio want to negotiate now, whilst they still have leverage. Their operation here is profitable (note: pre this disaster), and is 'eco friendly' so what they are saying is largely bluster.
At the moment the hydro station is connected directly to tiwai, and not anywhere else. There is a 2 year programme to link it to the main grid, which will then have dual power supplies north and be great to the country.
So if Rio walk away, Meridian take a 2 year max hit which is very doable for them in what is a highly profitable period. Rio know this and are trying to lock something in while they still have some power ( yay pun!)