Last updated: 12 Dec 2023
Aim
The Clutha Upper Waitaki Line Project set out to increase capacity on some of our lines between Clutha and the Upper Waitaki Valley from around 600 MW to approximately 1,100 MW. This would improve electricity supply to Southland during dry periods, and allow additional generation (should it become available) to be exported from Southland.
Outcome
The project involved five components with a total approved cost of $197m. The first two components (which keep Southland secure during dry periods) were delivered in 2015 and 2016 at a cost of around $38 million. In December 2020, Transpower completed the work on the Cromwell-Twizel circuits, and then in April 2022 finished the duplexing of the 142km Roxburgh–Islington line.
A Quick look
The video below shows the talented teams in action, and showcases the beautiful landscapes in which they worked.
This work was later nominated for Network Initiative of the Year at the 2022 New Zealand Energy Excellence Awards.