Contracting Capabilities

Northpower provides contracting services across the North Island including engineering, infrastructure management and maintenance and construction.

Upgrading Vector’s network in Howick

Location: East Auckland
Start date: September 2023
Completion date: June 2024
Project client: Vector
Project partner: Tranzcivil

Replacing crucial infrastructure is what we do.

Our capability and proven expertise in managing the replacement of crucial distribution infrastructure make us the right choice for clients looking to upgrade their networks.

Vector looked to us to upgrade their Howick substation.

3123

person-hours invested

49

personnel delivering the project

120m

33kV cable installed

New transformer being lowered into position

 

Powering our communities

This substation has two transformers, T1 and T2, with a combined capacity of 55MVA.

T1, a 25MVA transformer had reached the end of its operational life and was replaced with a newer model with an increased capacity of 30MVA.

Enabling increased capacity

We managed the successful replacement of T1, and the extensive civil work to strengthen the transformer bay and substation building. After T1 had been removed, our sub-transmission specialists installed and jointed 120m of new 33kV cables to connect the new transformer to the substation.

We engaged experienced contractor Tranzcivil to undertake the civil work which included modifying the transformer bay to accommodate the new transformer and strengthening the roof bracing and protective equipment against seismic events.

Our technicians commissioned the substation, testing and verifying its safety and functionality before reconnecting it to the grid. Approximately 49 staff were onsite across the duration of the project, working 3,123 manhours to deliver the upgrades to the substation.

Great outcomes

Our expertise in project managing the installation, electrical, and civil aspects of this project ensured a smooth delivery of this substation upgrade according to Vector’s technical requirements.

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