Major milestone achieved: Queenstown electricity zone substation upgrade complete
08 January 2026Local lines company Aurora Energy has successfully delivered the Queenstown zone substation upgrade – a two-year project that improves reliability and resilience for more than 2,600 customers in central Queenstown and Glenorchy, and sets the network up for future growth as electricity demand continues to rise.
Aurora Energy General Manager Service Delivery Richard Starkey said the project marks an important milestone for the community. “We’re proud to have delivered this upgrade, which will help future-proof the network and support the changing energy needs of customers. Queenstown is growing rapidly, and alongside that growth is rising demand for electricity as more people switch to electric vehicles and new technologies."
The project has delivered major improvements, including constructing a new control room and switchgear building, installing modern indoor 11 kV switchgear, and replacing the electrical protection and control systems.
These improvements also pave the way for future upgrades, including replacing outdoor 33 kV switchgear when a new indoor switchgear building is constructed (planned for after 2030).
“We want to thank both the nearby residents and businesses, and wider community, for their support and patience throughout the project,” said Mr Starkey. “Their understanding has played a key role in helping us deliver this important upgrade safely and efficiently for the benefit of the Queenstown and Glenorchy communities.”
The upgrade is part of Aurora Energy’s wider $560 million investment programme across Dunedin, Central Otago/Wānaka, and Queenstown.
