Repair & Replacement of Low Voltage Mains

Mains

Mains are the overhead lines or underground cables that connect your premises or installation to Aurora's distribution system in the street. Mains are divided into two categories – High Voltage or Low Voltage.

High Voltage Mains are typically found in rural environments; however they also commonly supply industrial complexes with large power requirements. Due to the widespread impact of any faults on them, High Voltage mains are owned and maintained by Aurora.

Repair and maintenance of Low Voltage Mains is dealt with as follows:

Maintenance Responsibilities

Aurora is responsible for the maintenance of the distribution network and the portion of LV mains located in the public street. Consumers or property owners are responsible for the maintenance of LV mains located on or over private property. Aurora’s contractor (DELTA) will arrange for the repair of any fault that originates on the public street. The consumer or property owner is required to pay for any work where the fault originates on their property.

Competitive Pricing

Repair and maintenance work is regularly benchmarked to ensure the portion to be paid by the consumer or owner is competitive. In both Dunedin and Central Otago the contractor for this work is DELTA’s Distribution Services group.

Cost Responsibility for Replacement of Overhead Mains

When overhead LV mains require replacement because their condition has deteriorated, the cost is shared equally between the consumer or owner and Aurora. (The rates for overhead LV mains replacement shown below apply to a single span up to 30 metres in length from Aurora's pole to the customer's support structure).

If overhead LV mains are damaged by an event originating on private property (for example, caused by tree damage or a broken bargeboard), the consumer or owner is responsible for the full cost of repair or replacement. Conversely, if the fault originates on the public street portion then Aurora will pay for the repairs.

Going Underground

Instead of being replaced, an overhead LV mains supply can be converted to an underground / pole-top supply provided the installation meets Aurora's requirements. Conversion involves an electrician supplying the cable to the pole-top fuse and providing mechanical protection of the cable to a height of 2.2 metres above ground. If you wish to pursue this option, contact your electrician.

Sharing the Responsibility

1. Underground/Pillar Box Mains

In the case of suspected problems with an underground / pillar box mains, Aurora is responsible for the location and repair of faults to the pillar box. The consumer or owner is responsible for location and repair of faults in the mains cable from the pillar box to the premises.

2. Underground/Pole-top Mains

In the case of suspected problems with an underground / pole-top mains, Aurora will carry out tests at no charge to locate the position of the fault. Aurora is responsible for repair of faults in the mains to the boundary. The consumer or owner is responsible for repair of faults in the mains cable from the boundary to the premises.

3. Overhead Mains

In the case of suspected problems with overhead mains Aurora will locate the position of the fault at no charge. Aurora is responsible for repair of faults in the mains to the boundary. The consumer or owner will be charged for repair of faults in the mains from the boundary to the premises.

Charges to Consumer of Owners

To view the current charges for LV Mains Replacement, click here (PDF)