Transpower has successfully commissioned its Kaitimako switching station in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, to provide more transmission capacity into the Bay of Plenty area. The switching station has been completed on time and on budget.

Tauranga is one of the fastest developing areas of the country, with the demand for electricity in the Bay of Plenty area rising by 50 percent in the past 10 years, causing constraints on the National Grid.

The new Kaitimako substation will allow more power to flow through existing transmission assets which will help to meet the electricity needs of Bay of Plenty homes and businesses.

Transpower’s General Manager National Grid David Laurie said that the project delivery had been highly successful. “My congratulations go to all of the Transpower staff, contractors and consultants who helped to get this project to completion.  Thank you also to the surrounding residents who were supportive of the project and the local iwi who worked with us. The new switching station will be highly beneficial for the Bay of Plenty area going into the future.”

“When planning this project, we recognized that the demand forecasts for the region were still relatively high therefore ensured that should it be needed, further equipment can be installed at the 220-kV switchyard relatively easily to meet any future growth.”

The works involved building two platforms – one 110-kV and one 220-kV. The 110-kV has been fitted with equipment, however the 220-kV will remain bare until new equipment is needed – when demand exceeds the capability of the 110-kV switchyard.

Also installed was a new transmission tower to connect the switchyards to the existing high voltage lines. Extensive planting has also been undertaken.