Current Projects

Our current projects will be updated frequently. Read about our projects currently underway below.

Upgrade Programme Will Manage Record Demand

For the company to stay ahead of its record demand levels, Electricity Ashburton expects to spend over $11 million upgrading the distribution network in the current financial year.

To date the distribution network has handled the new loading well. However, over the next two years, significant additional development will be required to cater for the higher ongoing demand. Electricity Ashburton also needs to provide for anticipated growth, which is expected to grow at the rate of at least four per cent per annum.

Lauriston and Hackthorne are two of the highest growth areas. The new substation built at Hackthorne four years ago is now servicing 7 MW of load.

Some of the projects currently underway in Electricity Ashburton's upgrade programme include:

• Further conversion to 22kV in Hinds, Coldstream and west of Rakaia
• A larger transformer ordered for Hackthorne substation
• Increasing capacity at Lagmhor substation and down to Winslow
• Beginning construction of a new substation for Eiffelton
• Replacing aging switchgear at Mt Somers and Ashburton
• Continue underground conversion in urban Ashburton.

The international economy however has had an impact on the company's upgrade programme. Worldwide demand for high voltage electrical equipment is at record levels, resulting in longer delays to procure items. An example of this is reflected by the fact that it now takes 12-14 months to receive a large transformer from when it is ordered. In addition to the problem of shortages, costs have also increased significantly.

Decision Time Approaching for Barrhill-Chertsey

The evaluation and design process has continued for the primary canal of the Barrhill-Chertsey irrigation and hydro-electricity generation scheme. Electricity Ashburton is working on this project in partnership with Barrhill-Chertsey Irrigation Limited.

Following resource consent hearings in early 2008, all parties are now in a better position to decide whether to proceed with the project. Hearings are scheduled for late January 2009, with a decision expected some weeks later.