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Omexom foreman Donovan Bezuidenhoud (left) and TLC chief executive Mike Fox discuss the ongoing works in Taumarunui.

Taumarunui power upgrade on track, on budget

16 February 2024

A major project to upgrade Taumarunui’s electricity is close to 50 per cent complete.

Before Christmas, The Lines Company (TLC) announced it would invest close to $1.4 million in the town, replacing old electricity assets including power poles, crossarms and more. Work on the 10-week project began in mid-January and, weather permitting, will finish in March.

TLC’s general manager – network Gerhard Buitendach said so far progress was “on schedule and on budget”.

“Contractors from Omexom and our own Taumarunui depot staff have done a great job and so far – touch wood – we’ve had pretty good weather. We’ve also had fantastic support and understanding from the local community, and we’re grateful for that.”

When announcing the upgrade, TLC gave notice there would be short-term power outages affecting around 1,500 households but that most of the main shopping area would not be affected. So far most outages had occurred as scheduled, Buitendach said.

He noted two of the larger outages were planned for the weekend of March 2 and 3, but said any impacted households or businesses would be advised directly by their electricity retailer.
“We really are focussed on minimising disruption as much as we can so we’ve tried to be flexible where possible. We’ve also tried to give as much notice as possible and work directly with any large customers or large businesses who need help.“

When complete, Taumarunui would have a more reliable and secure energy supply for decades to come, he said.

TLC was keeping customers up-to-date with the project via local newspapers, online at www.thelinescompany.co.nz and via its Facebook page. Customers directly affected by planned power outages were being contacted directly by their retailer.

To learn more about this project, head to THELINESCOMPANY.CO.NZ/POWERING-UP-TAUMARUNUI/

For more information contact

communications@thelines.co.nz