Delta powers up skiing at Cardrona

8 November 2011

Local electricity network company Aurora Energy Limited’s newest substation is powering up the popular Cardrona ski field, township and surrounding homes, farms and businesses.

The new Cardrona substation and more than 18 kilometres of high voltage power line was installed by Delta to upgrade the secure supply of electricity to the Cardrona Valley.

Local MP for Waitaki, Jacqui Dean, officially commemorated the successful completion of the $5.5 million dollar, 21-month installation and commissioning project.

“The need for this new line and substation is testament to the increasing popularity of Cardrona as a place to work, live and visit,” said Mrs Dean.

Chairman of Aurora Energy, Ray Polson, said that the project will ensure the local Cardrona electricity distribution network maintains a high level of supply security over the next 20 years.

“Cardrona has seen annual demand increases of six percent as the area’s resident and visitor populations have increased.

“The new substation is part of the company’s wider infrastructure investment programme to increase electrical capacity in the Queenstown Lakes District including already completed projects in Queenstown, Frankton and the Remarkables.

“Electricity distribution networks are critical infrastructure powering homes and businesses. People rightly expect a dependable electricity supply which is why Aurora Energy makes the ongoing investment needed to ensure sufficient electrical capacity now and into the future,” said Mr Polson.

Grady Cameron, Chief Executive of Delta, which designed and installed the new power line and substation and operates them on behalf of Aurora Energy, congratulated all those involved in completing the project successfully.

“Delta started work on the new 66,000 volt power line running from Wanaka to Cardrona in October 2009. The new substation, transformer and switchgear was installed during 2010 and began supplying power to Cardrona in April 2011.

“Delta is always searching for opportunities to improve the reliability and environmental performance of the infrastructure we build.

“We installed a diesel generator in 2008 as a temporary measure to boost electrical capacity for Cardrona during the winter.

“The new Cardrona substation and Cardrona-Wanaka power line removes the need for that diesel generation. Now, additional power capacity is supplied direct from the national electricity grid, providing access to renewable energy sources.

“The new transformer uses a bio-degradable vegetable oil as coolant that is more environmentally friendly than traditional mineral-based oils,” said Mr Cameron.