Aurora Energy seeking Queenstown and Upper Clutha flexibility solutions to meet growing demand

Decarbonisation efforts, a move away from fossil fuels, and growth in Queenstown and Upper Clutha are driving increased electrification across the region. As that demand increases, Aurora Energy’s network capacity and capability need to be ready to meet it.

In the past 10 years, the Frankton Grid Exit Point (which supplies Aurora Energy’s Queenstown sub-network from Transpower’s national grid), has experienced an average 2.8MW load increase per year.

To help meet the current demand, Transpower recently installed the second of two new 120MVA power transformers at their Frankton substation. Late last year, Aurora Energy commissioned a new transformer on their local distribution network at Frankton to increase the electricity supply.

Aurora Energy Chief Executive Richard Fletcher says, while tactical upgrades like this help ensure enough network capacity for Queenstown in the medium term, significant investment will be needed to continue supporting regional growth and ensuring the community’s future needs are met. Aurora Energy is working with Transpower and others on longer-term options.

“While we’re planning long-term network development options, non-network solutions like solar and batteries that generate electricity locally, or options that shift electricity use away from peak time could help defer or avoid Aurora Energy’s network investments, which save costs for customers,” Mr Fletcher says.

Expressions of interest

After successfully partnering with a solar battery aggregator in Upper Clutha in 2022, Aurora Energy is now expanding its search for new flexibility service providers. The first-of-its-kind initiative in New Zealand allowed Aurora Energy to reduce peak load by 1MW by sending signals the aggregator responded to, injecting energy at the right time. This smart solution delayed major infrastructure upgrades by two years—relieving pressure on the network and delivering cost savings for customers.

Aurora Energy is putting a call out to all flexibility suppliers and large businesses from the Queenstown and Upper Clutha areas who can provide non-network capacity support during peak times.

“This is a new area for the energy sector, and we want to understand what resources are available so we can fully integrate these into our network strategy as we work toward a decarbonised energy future,” Mr Fletcher says.

Flexibility solutions will give Aurora Energy the ability to adapt to demand during busy times. Flattening the peak demand curve in Queenstown and Upper Clutha overall will also mean it’s more likely future investment in the network can be deferred or avoided.

“This is an example of the way we’re moving from being a traditional network to a more intelligent one, which integrates renewable energy technology,” Mr Fletcher says.

Electrify Queenstown Principal Sponsor

Aurora Energy is proud to be the principal sponsor of Electrify Queenstown, taking place from 26–28 May 2025.

This event showcases leading-edge thinking and offers practical insights to help residents and businesses transition to a renewable energy future.

As part of the event, Aurora Energy will be launching its Expressions of Interest for flexibility providers.

ENDS