The Palmerston North CBD is the second-largest central business district we serve, and our largest exclusively underground network.

We’ve been working on a number of projects for the Palmerston North community to expand, renew and rebalance our assets and ensure our customers have continued security of power supply.

The projects are:

• Construction of a new substation on the corner of Linton and Ferguson streets - Complete

• Installation of a second transformer at the new substation - Complete

• Construction of a new indoor 33kV switchroom at our Linton substation - Complete

• Construction of two new underground circuits from Linton substation to the new Ferguson St substation - Complete

• Installation of larger capacity cables between Ferguson and Main Street substations
• Removal of power poles and overhead lines between Keith St and Main St substations

Final stages – mid-2022

Our $27.4 million electricity investment programme in Palmerston North is in its final stages.

Between early-June and August 2022*, our contractor Downer will be installing larger capacity underground electricity cables between Ferguson and Main Street substations (orange ‘stage one route’ on map above).

Once complete, work will begin in September* to remove the overhead power lines from Keith St to Main St (purple ‘stage two route’ on map).

No power outages are planned for either stage.

To allow the work to be carried out safely, traffic management will be needed at times along parts of Ferguson, Princess and Main streets from early-June to August*, and from Keith St to the Main St substation from September* through to November*.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while these essential works are carried out.

To read the media release about this project, click here.

*Timings dependent on conditions such as weather and other restrictions.

Project update - 17 June 2022

The upgrade of central Palmerston North’s electricity network is progressing well. 

Work began on June 7 to install larger capacity underground power cables between our Ferguson St and Main St substations. 

To install the cables, holes are being excavated at strategic locations between the two substations to allow for the new cables to be hauled through existing underground cable ducts. Once the cables have been joined at the excavation points, the holes will be filled. The first excavation point at Ferguson St-Fitzherbert Ave, is expected to be filled later today.

While lightning and high winds stopped work on Monday and Tuesday this week, the work is still on schedule.

Getting in touch

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we carry out this essential upgrade.

If you would like to contact us about this work, please email or call us.

Email: customerexperience@powerco.co.nz 

Phone: 0800 769 372 (Monday to Friday, 8am – 5.30pm)