Hunterville Upgrade

Project Progress

OVERVIEW

To ensure safety and security of supply for our Hunterville customers we needed to replace poles, cross arms and overhead line along some of the more remote roads in the area.

The project presented a number of challenges – the work would require 15 planned outages for various customers. Because the roads were narrow we would also need to have traffic management and road closures in place so our crews could work safely, and manoeuvre equipment if required. On occasion, we would also need to helicopter in equipment.

The complex job required a unique solution. To reduce the impact to customers it was decided to work with three separate contractors; Obertech, Electrix and Downer to carry out the work as quickly and efficiently as we could.

Each contractor was responsible for a separate stretch of the works, allowing the maintenance to take place simultaneously along the road (see the map below) and minimise the time it would take to complete the maintenance.

Powerco thanks Hunterville customers for their co operation on this project.

Link to our glossary

The challenge

Conducting maintenance on overhead lines in a narrow and remote part of our network near Hunterville.

The solution

Engage three contractors to carry out the work simultaneously.

The benefit

Minimise impact to customers, by carrying out the maintenance as quickly and as efficiently as possible.

Milestones

Construct new substation building

The first part of the South Waikato Grid Connection project is to replace the building - which doesn’t meet earthquake resilience standards - and upgrade the equipment at the Putaruru substation.

Route for new circuit between Arapuni and Putaruru confirmed

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Planned power cut during this period

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Construction of the circuit and new transformer at Putaruru substation

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2020

June 2020

July 2020

UPDATES

Find out the latest updates about this project

Finalising the route

June 17, 2021
South Waikato National Grid connection

We’re working towards finalising the detailed design for the South Waikato National

Continuing our detailed design

March 22, 2021
South Waikato National Grid connection

We’re continuing to work with the local community to finalise the route for our new circuit

Working with you – Route options

December 15, 2020
South Waikato National Grid connection

We’re currently working with residents to determine the route that part of the circuit will...

Connecting with customers

October 19, 2020
South Waikato National Grid connection

As we progress the National Grid Connection, it’s important that we talk with you, our customers.

Construct new substation building

June 12, 2020
South Waikato National Grid connection

The first part of the South Waikato Grid Connection project is to replace the building.

FAQ

Will I see any visual difference in the lines and equipment in my neighbourhood?

We strive to minimise impact in the design and placement of network infrastructure and we’re still planning and consulting on the route for the new circuit. The circuit will be a mix of overhead lines – which you will see, and underground cable – which you won’t see. You’ll also see a new building at our Putaruru substation, replacing the ageing existing building there.

Can I be sure the power will not go off once the new connection is complete?

We can never guarantee supply 100% of the time, however, the number and length of outages you experience will be reduced.