Cable joint repair project - Auckland

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What are we doing? 

Transpower is replacing cable joints on an underground electricity line in Auckland between our Brownhill and Pakūranga substations. This work began in June 2024 and is expected to be complete by mid-2026. 

If you would like to receive updates about the cable repair project, please subscribe to our project newsletter here. You can also read our previous newsletters:  June, May, April and March.

Why are we doing it?

Following two faults in cable joints on this circuit in the past three years, we are taking a prudent approach by replacing all joints on the cable. Replacing these joints returns this important cable to its intended condition, so it can operate effectively for its expected 30–40-year life. Ensuring the cables can reliably supply electricity to Auckland and Northland is essential. 

We assessed a range of other remediation options for the cable and concluded that replacing the joints will give the best overall outcome for electricity users in the region.

How will it affect you?

We are mindful of our work in the community and want to understand your concerns and minimise the impacts of our work where we can.

This is a complex project with some challenging excavation sites, which will cause traffic disruptions to people in the area. We have several mitigations underway to minimise the impacts of this work, including working six days a week to shorten the overall length of time for the project. We cannot undertake this work at night.

Safety for the public and for our workers is paramount, and our sites will be fenced and monitored. 

We will communicate directly with local communities, mana whenua and other stakeholders as the project progresses and we will also provide regular updates on this page.

You can contact the team by emailing us at [email protected] or calling 0800 222 553 or 021 241 8740 to talk to our Community Engagement Lead on this project. 

Secure electricity supply

This work is not expected to cause power outages. Electricity supply into Auckland and Northland is secure and that will continue to be the case during the works. This is because there is a companion cable on the circuit between Brownhill and Pakūranga, and we have recently built a temporary bypass line in north Waikato to provide additional security and ensure peak demand can be met. 

Timeline and updates

Work is progressing well and we have completed our first year of cable joint repairs. Work is now underway in the following locations: 

More information