Last updated: 11 Dec 2024
What is happening?
Transpower is replacing joints on an underground electricity cable in Auckland between our Brownhill and Pakūranga substations. This work began in June 2024 and will be carried out over the next two to three years.
Why?
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 does it affect me?
This is a complex project with some challenging excavation sites, which will cause traffic disruptions.
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.
More information for local residents and businesses is included in these information sheets:
- Cable repair information sheet - Whitford
- Cable repair information sheet - Pakūranga [to come]
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.
Contact us
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.
Timeline and status
We are working at different sites along the cable route and completion dates are indicative.
| Location | Joint Bay ID | Completion (indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| Year one - June 2024 to June 2025 | ||
| Sandstone Road, Whitford | 5, 6 | Late January / February 2025 |
| Caldwells Road, East Tamaki Heights | 9, 10 | May 2025 |
| Kilkenny Drive | 13 | March 2025 |
| Te Irirangi Road | 15 | April / May 2025 |
| Tiger Drive | 16 | June 2025 |
| Year two - June 2025 to June 2026 | ||
| Brown Hill Road | 1, 2, 3 | to be confirmed |
| 58 Whitford Park Road | 5 | to be confirmed |
| Caldwells Road | 8 | to be confirmed |
| 131 Point View Drive | 11 | to be confirmed |
| Dunvegan Rise | 12 | to be confirmed |
| Armoy Drive | 14 | to be confirmed |
Secure electricity supply
The work we are undertaking will not cause power outages. Electricity supply into Auckland and Northland is secure and will continue to be secure 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.
Further communication and feedback
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.