Power lines go underground
Unsightly overhead power lines are to be replaced with underground cables on Egmont National Park’s eastern boundary.
Electricity distributor Powerco plans to remove 66 power poles and 4km of cable early in 2019 from between the park boundary and Stratford Mountain House to ensure a more secure power supply during storms and heavy snow falls – and also enhance the park’s aesthetic value.
Powerco service delivery and systems operations general manager Ian Skipworth said there was a number of reasons the power supply was going underground.
‘‘The 4.4km of line was due for a complete rebuild and annual tree trimming along the existing route was costly and intrusive,’’ he said.
‘‘Winter snow storms exposed the lines to undue risk and the Department of Conservation was keen to have all overhead lines removed in national parks.’’
The company had extensive discussions with DOC, Stratford District Council, Stratford Mountain House owners, Ngati Ruanui, and Manganui Ski Area operator, Stratford Mountain Club, he said.
The mountain house and ski club are the two main users of power.
As well, Airways NZ, Vodafone, Spark, Team Talk Ltd and Two Degrees operate key communication equipment at high altitude on Mt Taranaki.
Taranaki based Drillco will install the cable for the main project contractor Obertech.
‘‘A start is planned for January 7 and it should be completed by the end of March,’’ Skipworth said.
The old poles and overhead conductor line will be removed once the new cable was in operation.
DOC New Plymouth senior ranger Dave Rogers said the overhead power lines were the last to be removed within the Egmont National Park.
The park’s management plan required any new power line, or any major renewal of line, to be placed on or beneath the ground to minimise the visual impact and maintenance requirements, he said.
‘‘This initiative will see an end to the unwelcome power disruptions from trees across the lines, snow build up collapsing lines and windblown debris damaging the lines.’’