Genesis Energy says getting a resource consent for a power station North of Auckland will be critical for securing the city's energy needs.
The power company is applying to the Auckland Regional and Rodney District councils for the right to build a 480- megawatt gas-fired station in Rodney.
The power station would be located on State Highway 16 between Helensville and Kaukapakapa.
The lawyer for Genesis, Paul Majurey, told commissioners the power station would work to compliment the company's wind generation capacity.
Genesis has not yet decided whether it will build the gas-fired station, but says it wants to preserve its future options by a getting resource consent.
Residents will present their submissions next week.
The hearing is expected to take about two weeks.
