In early 2025 we will begin construction on a new substation at 41 Reserve Road, Balcairn.
Why is this work needed?
The existing substation on Lawcocks Road is approaching the end of it’s life. The new substation will not only replace this aging infrastructure but also increase capacity and future-proof the electricity network for the growing community.
When complete, the substation will be screened by a native planting strip. Once this is established, there will be very little to see from the road.
What is happening?
We will be constructing a new substation at 41 Reserve Road, Balcairn.
To support this new development, the electricity lines and poles to and from the substation will also be upgraded. In some circumstances this will include moving pole locations. You will be contacted by MainPower if this impacts assets on your property.
Once the project is complete, we will begin decommissioning the current substation on Lawcocks Road.
Key details:
- Project timeline: Work will begin in early 2025, with earthworks starting mid-February. The project is scheduled to be completed by March 2026.
- Contractors: MainPower has engaged utility contractor, Connetics, to complete this project on our behalf. MainPower will be working closely with them throughout the project.
- Power outages: you will be notified by your electricity retailer if any upcoming planned power outages will impact your electricity supply.
- Construction activity:
- February–April 2025: During the earthworks phase, there will be large trucks and machinery entering and leaving the site, and underground cable installation occurring in the road shoulders around the substation.
- Autumn–Winter 2025: There will be a small number of smaller vehicles (utes and trucks) on site daily for electrical installation work.
- Summer 2025: As we connect the substation to the network, there may some short lane closures to facilitate pole and cabling installation.
Find out more
If you have any questions or concerns about the works, please don’t hesitate to contact the MainPower team at project.enquiries@mainpower.co.nz or call 0800 30 90 80.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we carry out this essential project to improve the electricity network in the area.
