Contractors undertaking electricity work until September

CENTRAL Otago residents can expect to see activity along Letts Gully and Springvale Rds between now and September.

Aurora Energy is replacing a section of the electricity network as part of the ClydeEarnscleugh power supply reinforcement, which will also provide the Clyde and Earnscleugh areas with an additional backup supply to cater for future demand growth.

As part of this work, Aurora Energy will install a new 11kV circuit from Dunstan Rd to

Letts Gully Rd.

The existing overhead network in Letts Gully Rd will be extended to connect to Springvale Rd, and some of the area will then be fed from the 11kV Dairy Creek line.

This will increase the network operating voltage from 6kV to 11kV, and the line upgrade will help to minimise the length of time the power could be out during any future outages.

The work also includes replacing 3km of overhead power lines along Springvale Rd, and building a new 11kV overhead line under the existing 33kV line from Fulton Hogan’s yard on Dunstan Rd to Letts Gully Rd.

Some customers will have their power out at times to ensure the safety of contractors and the public.

Residents will be notified about any power outages by their electricity retailer and Aurora Energy has also written to customers to provide information about the project.

People living in the area may notice helicopters flying overhead when the new power lines are constructed, and traffic management will be in place.

The work has been split into two sections, with two contractors engaged. Unison is currently carrying out the section of work on Springvale Rd.

Work is due to finish in the area by July.

ElectroNet will then be carrying out the section of work on Letts Gully Rd, between this month and September.

This project is part of Aurora Energy’s major programme of work to upgrade the electricity network in Central Otago, Queenstown Lakes and Dunedin.