Major electricity upgrades underway across Wairarapa and Tararua

Communities across Wairarapa and Tararua will see electricity crews out in force over the coming months as Powerco invests an estimated $10 million rebuilding the local electricity network.

The work will replace ageing poles, conductors, crossarms and other equipment to strengthen parts of the network supplying rural and urban communities.

Powerco's Head of Network Planning Michael O'Brien says the programme is an important investment in the region’s electricity infrastructure.

"Our electricity network serves communities spread across large rural areas as well as our towns, so looking after that infrastructure requires an ongoing programme of maintenance and renewal to ensure reliability, resilience and safety."

Some work has already started in urban areas, while the next stage is expected to run from now through to April 2027, subject to weather and site access.

The programme began last year and will continue over the next two summers, with Powerco contractors Northpower and Horizon carrying out the work.

Some planned outages required

Some of the work will require planned power outages so crews can work safely.

Michael O'Brien says he understands the disruption outages can cause.

“We know outages are inconvenient, particularly for businesses and rural communities, and we’ll work with our contractors to minimise disruption wherever we can.

“We thank people for their patience while our crews get this important work done.”

Affected customers will receive information about planned outages from their electricity retailer (the company they pay their power bill to) before the work takes place.

Depending on the location and type of work, residents and road users may also notice traffic management and construction activity.