About
As Queenstown’s population grows and more people switch to electric vehicles and appliances, demand for electricity is only going one way – up
Even with more homes installing solar panels and batteries, our current electricity infrastructure won’t be enough to meet future demand. Electricity use forecasts show the existing transmission network in our region may reach capacity in 2032
In 2023, Transpower, Aurora Energy and PowerNet set up Energising Queenstown to understand the scope of the problem and work with locals to come up with a solution.
Based on this work, scenario modelling, demand forecasting and early analysis, we asked the public for feedback in a consultation on four options that would enable a secure and resilient supply of electricity into the region.
Throughout this time, we met with councils, Ngāi Tahu and the respective Papatipu Rūnanga, local businesses, residents, and business and community groups.
Based on a number of factors, including community feedback, our industry experts have identified a preferred option for further investigation.
That option is to build a new transmission line between Cromwell and a new substation at Arrow Junction (double circuit line, 110 kV). The transmission line would have the capacity to power 26,000 more homes plus 700 small-to-medium businesses and 150 larger commercial enterprises.
A new transmission line is part of Energising Queenstown’s broader programme of work, which includes local electricity network upgrades and the integration of more rooftop solar, batteries and smart technology into the region’s power system.
