Upcoming Work in Clyde Hill to Upgrade Electricity Network

Aurora Energy will be reducing the number of power poles on the hill with 15 poles being reduced down to 11 poles, across 11 sites. There will be no planned power outages required for this work.

This is the second part of work required on Clyde Hill following three poles replaced in March 2021. Aurora Energy have done a lot of work in the Clyde area to improve supply, and this pole replacement project is part of efforts to maintain the network that supplies Clyde and the wider Central Otago region. All poles on Clyde Hill will then have been upgraded, which significantly reduces the likelihood of needing to return to the area for an estimated 50 years (unless in the case of a network fault).

Aurora Energy General Manager Work Programming and Delivery Mark Pratt said, “This is a more complex project than most pole replacements, as the poles are located on extremely difficult terrain. Where possible, the contractors will utilise existing tracks, however some new tracks will need to be made to allow access for a digger to get into the area to replace the poles safely. In this case, it is not possible to use helicopters or other types of vehicles, in order to ensure the health and safety of the contractors working on site”.

Aurora Energy have sought advice on the best planting options to encourage rejuvenation on the tracks that are needed to be made, and once the work is complete will be spreading brown top grass seed to assist revegetation over time.

“We know the landscape in the area is one of the drawcards for both locals and tourists, and want to reassure people that any shine on the new steel poles will diminish over time and blend more into the landscape,” Mr Pratt said.

Aurora Energy has written to all customers in the Clyde township to provide information about the project and have engaged with relevant stakeholders in advance of the work happening.

Aurora Energy thanks customers for their patience while this important work is being carried out.