Progress on Queenstown zone substation upgrade project

The project, which began in November last year, will future-proof the electricity network and strengthen the electricity supply for over 2,600 customers in the Queenstown and Glenorchy communities.

The first stage of the project, which involved enabling works and replacing the existing retaining wall, has recently been completed.

“Constructing the new retaining wall means the new buildings can be built to an earthquake rating of ‘Importance Level 4’. This will ensure the long-term stability of the site and improves safety for all users,” said Richard Starkey, Aurora Energy’s General Manager of Service Delivery.

In August, Aurora Energy will commence the second stage of the project, which involves constructing a new control room and switchgear building. This will be followed by installing new indoor 11 kV switchgear and replacing the electrical protection and control systems.

“We are aware the project site is close to education centres and local businesses and are continuing to work closely with stakeholders to ensure the safety of students and the public,” Mr Starkey said.

“We will continue to prioritise and manage safety access by keeping the walkway and access route for pedestrians and traffic between Robins Road and Skyline Queenstown temporarily closed. We appreciate the impact this may have on children and parents, especially during drop-off and pick-up times, however when undertaking this work these measures need to be kept in place to ensure the safety of all community members,” he said.

Work to upgrade the substation will continue into 2025. This project will also lay the groundwork for the future outdoor 33 kV switchgear replacement project, where a new indoor switchgear building will be constructed after 2030.

Aurora Energy thanks the community for their goodwill and patience as they undertake this important upgrade work on the network as quickly and safely as possible.