Powerco Network Operations Manager Ross Dixon said the 66,000 volt line from Kopu to Thames was the primary source of electricity supply for the area and would be taken out of service during the upgrade – with large portable generators and a back-feed from Matatoki being used to maintain supply to consumers during the project which is due to take place on February 17 and 18.

“The project we are undertaking will see the line refurbished with a number of new poles, cross-arms and insulators. To do this safely we will take the line out of service and provide an alternative electricity supply to the town via the Matatoki line and portable generators,” he said.

Part of the project will involve the use of two helicopters to deliver poles and other materials to sites which are difficult to access by land.

“One of the two helicopters Powerco will be using during the weekend is a large heavy lift unit which is likely to generate significant noise while operating. Powerco is aware that helicopter noise has the potential to cause stress to livestock and particularly horses so we are asking that people with animals living close to the 66,000 volt line from Kopu to Thames might look to make arrangements to minimise any livestock problems,” Mr Dixon said.

Powerco has planned the project to minimise use of the heavy lift helicopter in an effort to reduce any noise related issues and expects it will only be flying between 8am and noon each day.

Mr Dixon said the generators and a back-feed would be capable of supplying the basic electricity needs of the area but not the peak load and so Powerco had contacted major electricity users in and around Thames and requested that they reduce their electricity consumption to ensure the security of supply.

“The large customers in the area have been very co-operative in volunteering to reduce demand during the weekend and Powerco thanks them for their support. We would also ask that members of the public assist us by conserving electricity during the work period where possible – simple things like switching lights off when not required and turning off appliances at the wall when not in use can make a difference and would be appreciated,” Mr Dixon said.

Mr Dixon said due to safety requirements electricity supply would be interrupted to a small number of consumers during the project and those affected would be contacted in due course.

“Where we have other lines directly underneath the 66,000 volt lines we are working on, they must also be taken out of service as a safety precaution as there is a small risk the lines may contact each other during the work period. This means that a few customers connected to lower voltage lines underneath the 66,000 volt lines will experience a power cut during the weekend.”

If the work needs to be postponed for any reason the weekend of the 24th and 25th of February 2007 will be used as a back-up.

The works, which will involve about 60 workers, will be highly visible from Thames with crews from the Powerco-Tenix Alliance involved, helicopters delivering poles, cross-arms and other equipment to the locations inaccessible by road as well as bucket trucks and other heavy machinery.

Powerco is New Zealand’s second largest electricity and gas distribution utility with around 400,000 consumers connected to its networks. Powerco’s electricity networks are in Tauranga, Thames, Coromandel, Eastern and Southern Waikato, Taranaki, Wanganui, Rangitikei, Manawatu and the Wairarapa. Its gas pipeline networks are in Taranaki, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Wellington, Horowhenua, Manawatu and the Hawke’s Bay.