Electricity line makeover strengthens supply

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Electricity line makeover strengthens supply

Whangamata’s electricity lines get a makeover today and tomorrow, with a refurbishment of the 33,000 volt line linking Whangamata to the national electricity network.

Nearly 50 Powerco team members have been brought into the area to complete the work in just two days. They will be working at 40 pole sites to replace cross-arms and insulators, as well as completing maintenance work at the Whangamata substation.

Powerco’s Network Co-ordination Manager Phil Marsh said the upgrade was essential to maintain the reliability of the line and security of electricity supply to the area.

“It will ensure the high voltage line is in a good condition for the next 20-30 years,” Mr Marsh said.

The 33kV line will be shut down while the work is carried out, but customers will continue to receive power through large portable generators that have been brought into the area.

However, customers will notice a short outage between 5pm and 5.15pm both today and tomorrow when the power supply is switched back from the generator to the main electricity network.

“There will also be a few areas where we will take supply off during the day – this is because the lines supplying the affected consumers will be directly underneath the work zones so the lower lines have to be de-energised for safety reasons. These customers have been notified by their electricity retailer so they have time to prepare for the outage.”

Mr Marsh said safety is a top priority for Powerco and he urged all customers to treat the lines as live at all times, despite the shutdown.

“Powerco thanks the people of Whangamata for their cooperation on this important project which will help to ensure the ongoing security of supply to their community,” Mr Marsh said.

Powerco is New Zealand’s second largest electricity and second largest gas distribution utility with around 400,000 consumers connected to its networks. Powerco’s electricity networks are in Tauranga, Thames, Coromandel, Eastern and Southern Waikato, Taranaki, Wanganui, Rangitikei, Manawatu and the Wairarapa. Its gas pipeline networks are in Taranaki, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Wellington, Horowhenua, Manawatu and the Hawke’s Bay.

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ENDS

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