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We’re strengthening our electricity network in Selwyn.

We're upgrading the existing overhead power line from the Norwood Zone Substation to the Brookside Zone Substation to strengthen our electricity network.

Between July and October 2024, we will replace the existing power poles and install a new 66kV overhead power line between Norwood and Brookside.

Selwyn is a rapidly growing area, and we want to make sure our network is future-proof and prepared for increasing demand.


Where are we working?

This project spans the 15km route from the intersection at Highfield and Telegraph Road, to the intersection at Dunsandel and Brookside Road and Buckleys Road.

This work has been divided into two sections, the first starting at Telegraph Road end and the other at Dunsandel and Brookside Road end. There will be a crew working at each end to get this project finished as quickly and safely as possible.


Installing the new poles and 66kV line

Orion and Transpower have recently completed a new 220/66kV Grid Exit Point (GXP) at Norwood. The new 66kV line will make use of the additional capacity introduced by the new GXP and strengthen our network between Norwood and Brookside.

To do this line upgrade we will:

  • Replace existing power poles for larger poles that are spaced further apart.

  • Have additional asset on the poles to accommodate 66kV lines and 11kV lines.
    See photographs below.

  • Install two 30m steel poles across the Selwyn River.

The replacement poles are not pylons.


Before After

Power pole without upgrades

Upgraded pole with 66kV line

Power outages

There will be power outages during this project. To do this work safely, the power needs to be switched off while we work. 

Outages will occur on weekdays from 8.30am and 4.30pm. Properties may be affected by multiple outages.

Your power retailer will notify you in advance of outages.


Sign up to outage notifications

The best way to get the latest information on power outages affecting you is to sign up to our outage notification service.
You can sign up to our Outage Notification service on our website.

When we plan to turn the power off in your area, we’ll send you an email and/or text notification. And, if things change, we’ll let you know about that too. That way you can plan around it.


Be prepared for outages

There are other ways to be prepare for outages:

  • If your business requires power, please make sure you have made alternative arrangements.

  • If you or someone in your household are medically dependent, please make sure you have let your power retailer know.

  • Make sure your devices are charged.

  • Know how to open your garage door manually.

  • Avoid opening your fridge and freezer unnecessarily.

  • If you use your car to recharge devices, do not keep the car running in a garage or enclosed space.

  • During an outage, disconnect appliances in case of a "power surge".

  • Use a torch for emergency lighting if you need to.

  • Water pumps in rural areas may not work when the power is out. Make sure you have water supplies for stock, drinking and washing.


Keep up to date on outages

While we scheduled the outages, things can change. If there is bad weather we may need to use an alternate date.
You can keep updated on outages on our website.


Tree trimming

Part of this work includes trimming or removing trees or vegetation to keep it away from power lines. If your property is affected, we will contact the property owner directly.


Traffic management

Traffic management will be in place while we do this work. Please follow all signs and instruction from our crew.


Contact us

If you would like more information, please contact our Customer Support team on 0800 363 9898.

We're upgrading the existing overhead power line from the Norwood Zone Substation to the Brookside Zone Substation to strengthen our electricity network.

Between July and October 2024, we will replace the existing power poles and install a new 66kV overhead power line between Norwood and Brookside.

Selwyn is a rapidly growing area, and we want to make sure our network is future-proof and prepared for increasing demand.


Where are we working?

This project spans the 15km route from the intersection at Highfield and Telegraph Road, to the intersection at Dunsandel and Brookside Road and Buckleys Road.

This work has been divided into two sections, the first starting at Telegraph Road end and the other at Dunsandel and Brookside Road end. There will be a crew working at each end to get this project finished as quickly and safely as possible.


Installing the new poles and 66kV line

Orion and Transpower have recently completed a new 220/66kV Grid Exit Point (GXP) at Norwood. The new 66kV line will make use of the additional capacity introduced by the new GXP and strengthen our network between Norwood and Brookside.

To do this line upgrade we will:

  • Replace existing power poles for larger poles that are spaced further apart.

  • Have additional asset on the poles to accommodate 66kV lines and 11kV lines.
    See photographs below.

  • Install two 30m steel poles across the Selwyn River.

The replacement poles are not pylons.


Before After

Power pole without upgrades

Upgraded pole with 66kV line

Power outages

There will be power outages during this project. To do this work safely, the power needs to be switched off while we work. 

Outages will occur on weekdays from 8.30am and 4.30pm. Properties may be affected by multiple outages.

Your power retailer will notify you in advance of outages.


Sign up to outage notifications

The best way to get the latest information on power outages affecting you is to sign up to our outage notification service.
You can sign up to our Outage Notification service on our website.

When we plan to turn the power off in your area, we’ll send you an email and/or text notification. And, if things change, we’ll let you know about that too. That way you can plan around it.


Be prepared for outages

There are other ways to be prepare for outages:

  • If your business requires power, please make sure you have made alternative arrangements.

  • If you or someone in your household are medically dependent, please make sure you have let your power retailer know.

  • Make sure your devices are charged.

  • Know how to open your garage door manually.

  • Avoid opening your fridge and freezer unnecessarily.

  • If you use your car to recharge devices, do not keep the car running in a garage or enclosed space.

  • During an outage, disconnect appliances in case of a "power surge".

  • Use a torch for emergency lighting if you need to.

  • Water pumps in rural areas may not work when the power is out. Make sure you have water supplies for stock, drinking and washing.


Keep up to date on outages

While we scheduled the outages, things can change. If there is bad weather we may need to use an alternate date.
You can keep updated on outages on our website.


Tree trimming

Part of this work includes trimming or removing trees or vegetation to keep it away from power lines. If your property is affected, we will contact the property owner directly.


Traffic management

Traffic management will be in place while we do this work. Please follow all signs and instruction from our crew.


Contact us

If you would like more information, please contact our Customer Support team on 0800 363 9898.

Page last updated: 24 Jun 2024, 09:16 AM