Powerco, the company that owns the electricity network in the Wairarapa, has funded the overhead to underground power conversion with the South Wairarapa District Council providing the funds for the new lights and associated excavation work.

The work is part of the Featherston Community Board’s overall development plan for the town.  The board’s acting chairperson, Liz Mellish, said the Powerco contribution was a real help to the development plan.

“Having the underground system is a huge plus and the groups involved worked closely together to get a number of win-win solutions”, said Ms Mellish.

“The fact that we were even able to light Cherry Tree Park using an existing power pole showed the flexibility and commitment of those involved.” 

Powerco’s General Manager Network Assets, Richard Krogh, said underground cables were more expensive than overhead to install but were better aesthetically and less affected by wind, trees and other factors such as accidents.  He said maintenance due to be done on the Featherston overhead lines had made the underground conversion more economic.

Powerco has developed an extensive asset management plan in the Wairarapa to maintain and improve the reliability and performance of the electricity network.