Aurora Energy is commissioning a new transformer that it says will significantly increase network capacity for those living in the Upper Clutha area.

The 50MVA auto transformer will be connected to the existing Upper Clutha network at the Cromwell Grid Exit Point between mid-October and mid-November, the energy company announced.

There are no planned outages (therefore no planned disruptions) required as part of the work.

Aurora Energy service delivery general manager Richard Starkey said the project is exciting for the area, which continues to experience high levels of growth.

“The extra capacity will help future-proof the network, responding to increasing demand and giving customers confidence as we move toward a more electrified future,” he said.

“As a key driver of the regional and national economy, it’s vital Upper Clutha and Wānaka have a network that can support a growing population and how people choose to use electricity now and as new technology becomes available.”

Richard said the two auto transformers that currently service the area are performing well, but the demand on the network requires extra resources.

Both existing 36MVA auto transformers will remain in use on top of the new 50MVA auto transformer.

Design for the project began in April 2023, and civil and electrical construction began in November. The main part of the work was completed in July this year, with the groundwork and installation of the auto transformer and associated equipment.

Richard said the commissioning work had been timed to happen outside of the summer and winter peaks when the load on the two existing lines is at its lowest.

The work is part of Aurora Energy’s wider five-year investment programme under its Customised Price-Quality Path (CPP) to position the electricity network for the future.

PHOTO: Supplied