Vector’s Home Solar Programme has won the Innovation in Sustainability and Clean-tech category at the New Zealand Innovators Awards, held at Auckland Museum last week.

The judges said our system was designed to make solar accessible to everyday people. 

“The programme provides customers with a sustainable choice in energy used to power their homes by making solar power accessible, reliable and intelligent,” they said.

This accolade recognises the innovation Vector has applied to its unique solar system. The initiative has attracted widespread interest and puts Vector at the leading edge of significant changes occurring in the energy industry.

NETWORK SUMMARY for week ending 20 October 2013

ELECTRICITY

The unpredictable spring weather again caused havoc when a mid-week storm hit parts of Auckland city. Vegetation brought down lines in Te Atatu, Blockhouse Bay, Ranui, Helensville and Albany.  The lines were cleared and checked for safety and full power restored to the area.

In two separate incidents, trampolines in Mangere were blown off the ground and on to power lines in the suburb.

A car vs pole accident occurred in Te Atatu. While there was no disruption to power, the pole required urgent repairs.

A late model Aston Martin struck a pole early Sunday morning on Tamaki Drive. Our crews made the site safe and referred it to Auckland Council as it affected a streetlight base.

GAS

The Emergency Services informed us of a smell of gas on Princes Wharf. Our crews investigated but found no damage to gas pipes.

During the weekend, a large bin fire threatened gas bottles at an address in Hobson Street. Our crews isolated the gas equipment while the fire was doused.

PROJECTS

The second phase of Auckland’s Balmoral substation project got underway recently with the first of two 12 MVA transformers installed in the 1960's, moved in preparation for replacement by a new 20 MVA transformer at the substation.

The roof of the substation was removed and the existing transformer lifted out by crane. It only took a couple of hours to remove the roof, uplift the old transformer and replace the roof.

The substation upgrade also includes reinforcement of the walls to ensure that they meet the new earthquake design standards in advance of the new transformers being installed, along with other minor electrical works.

During the first phase of the Balmoral project, new sub transmission cables, capable of carrying 33 kV, were laid. 

Five months of rock breaking was required to dig the 2.2 kilometre long trench required for the new cables between Sandringham and Balmoral substations.

The final phase of the project will be the switchboard replacement at the Balmoral substation.

SHORTS

·        Vector owns over 17,800 kilometres of overhead and underground lines in the greater Auckland area, and 12,752 of gas pipe lines, almost half of which supply gas to Auckland.

·        Vector, proud sponsor of the Arena.

Vector owns and manages a unique portfolio which consists of electricity distribution, gas transmission and distribution, electricity and gas metering installations and data management services, natural gas and LPG and fibre optic networks.

Vector is listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange with ticker symbol VCT. For further information, visit www.vector.co.nz

ENDS

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