We're focused on improving the network by utilising technology, dealing to design issues, and replacing aging infrastructure.
forecast to be invested in network improvements this year
Waitete substation project underway
Demand for electricity on our network continues to grow. Farming, commercial and industrial business growth across the network, along with population increases predicted for northern areas, mean there’s more demand for power. We’ve planned for that and have a number of upgrades and other network investments underway to make sure our region is well positioned for future economic development opportunities.
At an estimated cost of $4.7 million dollars, the new substation will deliver a modern, fit for purpose, zone substation that will accommodate a reliable supply for Te Kūiti for the next 20 – 30 years. The project is planned for completion in March 2022.
This work is to increase supply reliability, reduce outages and speed up restoration time.
We’ve now completed stage two of our line renewal in and around the area. Stage three will be completed in late 2021, as part of this project we’ll be replacing the transformer at the Kuratau substation.
To meet the demand, we’re upgrading the Te Waireka substation – a project being undertaken in three parts.
STAGE ONE COMPLETED DECEMBER 2018
Over a 12 month period in 2018, we replaced Te Waireka’s transformers with two bigger ones to increase the amount of power we can supply from it.
STAGE TWO UNDERWAY
The upgrade of the substation’s switch rooms was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Work on this stage of the project is once again underway, and will see new larger equipment installed to increase capacity.
STAGE THREE COMPLETION MID 2023
In 2023 we’re replacing the 2nd substation switch room.
Stage one of the two staged project was completed in 2020, with the second stage currently in design.
STAGE ONE COMPLETED 2020
At a cost of around $300,000, the first stage upgraded the Awamate – Waiotaka – Kiko Road cable that crosses the Tongariro River bridge. This provides better back up supply and quicker reconnection of most outages to around 1200 customers in that area.
STAGE TWO IN DESIGN
The second and more complex stage is currently being scoped and expected to be a multi-million dollar project. It involves installing new cable to the Tūrangi substation to provide a more reliable supply to our 2000 Tūrangi customers.
LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging and is a technology that allows objects to be shown as a series of data points. It can be used by a drone or a helicopter. The 4200km survey, will also help to improve the reliability of the network by providing detailed data-driven views of the infrastructure. This way we know which lines need improvements and which trees need trimming or felling.