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About us

MainPower is the electricity distribution network for North Canterbury. Based in Rangiora, we are responsible for delivering electricity to over 44,000 homes and businesses in the Waimakariri, Hurunui, and Kaikōura districts.

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Recent news

Stay informed with the latest news from MainPower.

Record number of candidates for MainPower Trust elections

MainPower welcomes new Chief Executive, Sean Horgan

MainPower Trust seeks nominations for Trust elections

Ashley River

Ashley to Coldstream 66kV Upgrade

The Eastern area of the Waimakariri District has experienced significant growth due to residential and commercial development in the Pegasus…

Thongcaster Road Solar Project

The North Canterbury network is experiencing increasing demand as the region continues to grow and electrify. To support this growth,…

Cheviot to Oaro Sub-Transmission Line Upgrade – Complete

MainPower’s sub-transmission line between Oaro and Cheviot is constructed at 66 kV but is currently operating at 33 kV. This…

Amberley Zone Substation

The North Canterbury electricity network is experiencing increasing demand as Amberley and surrounding communities continue to grow and electrify. To…

Hanmer Springs Sub-Transmission Line Upgrade – Completed

Earlier this year we upgraded the line that supplies electricity to Hanmer Springs from 33 kV to 66 kV. While…

Hanmer Springs Substation

As part of MainPower’s planning for future capacity, as well as the retirement of end-of-life assets, we are going to…

Important notifications

Hot water load testing under way ahead of winter

Until mid‑April, we’re working closely with retailers to carry out hot water load testing as we prepare our network for the coming winter season.

These tests run for a couple of hours each day, Monday to Friday, with no testing taking place over weekends. Because each test window is relatively short, customers are unlikely to notice any changes to their hot water supply.

The purpose of this work is to help us better understand how much controllable load is available during the summer months. Gaining accurate insights now means we can model customer savings more effectively by reducing system load at peak times. It also helps us assess whether this load flexibility could assist Transpower in deferring an upcoming local transmission upgrade.

This testing is an important part of ensuring a resilient, efficient network that supports our community.

MainPower Trust elections

Voting is open for the 2026 MainPower Trust election.

Voting packs have been emailed or posted by Electionz.com to everyone who pays a power bill on the MainPower network. You need to have the unique ID provided to cast your vote.

If you haven’t received a voting pack, or can’t find it, you can get a replacement by contacting iro@electionz.com.  For full details of the candidates, visit mainpowertrust.co.nz/trustee-elections/

Make the most of this opportunity to have your say on the future of MainPower – and your community.

Voting closes midday Friday 6 March 2026. 

Privacy Policy

Is your outage not listed?

Troubleshoot your outage
Treat all lines as live during the outage period; power may be restored at any time. If you require further information, please call MainPower’s 24-hour faults line. To report an emergency, call 111.

Outage notifications

Hot water load testing under way ahead of winter

Until mid‑April, we’re working closely with retailers to carry out hot water load testing as we prepare our network for the coming winter season.

These tests run for a couple of hours each day, Monday to Friday, with no testing taking place over weekends. Because each test window is relatively short, customers are unlikely to notice any changes to their hot water supply.

The purpose of this work is to help us better understand how much controllable load is available during the summer months. Gaining accurate insights now means we can model customer savings more effectively by reducing system load at peak times. It also helps us assess whether this load flexibility could assist Transpower in deferring an upcoming local transmission upgrade.

This testing is an important part of ensuring a resilient, efficient network that supports our community.

MainPower Trust elections

Voting is open for the 2026 MainPower Trust election.

Voting packs have been emailed or posted by Electionz.com to everyone who pays a power bill on the MainPower network. You need to have the unique ID provided to cast your vote.

If you haven’t received a voting pack, or can’t find it, you can get a replacement by contacting iro@electionz.com.  For full details of the candidates, visit mainpowertrust.co.nz/trustee-elections/

Make the most of this opportunity to have your say on the future of MainPower – and your community.

Voting closes midday Friday 6 March 2026. 

Privacy Policy

Is your outage not listed?

Troubleshoot your outage
Treat all lines as live during the outage period; power may be restored at any time. If you require further information, please call MainPower’s 24-hour faults line. To report an emergency, call 111.

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