8 September 2016

Palmerston North City Council co-operating with Powerco to secure supply

Palmerston North City Council Deputy Chief Executive Ray Swadel says the Council is co-operating with Powerco to make sure the electricity supply to the Central Business District remains secure.

“We have agreed to allow the company to install overhead lines between its Keith Street and Main Street substations as a back up to the existing underground network.

“We have made it clear to Powerco that this is to be a temporary measure while Powerco contractors put new underground cables in place.”

As with any work in a roading corridor, Council has a number of requirements including traffic control.

“Given the urgency of this work, we’ll be working with the company to meet those requirements so disruptions and traffic delays are minimised.”

Council is receiving regular updates from the company on the situation and these will continue as construction begins.

“We have stressed to Powerco that providing a reliable power supply is essential to our local economy and the wellbeing of our people,” Mr Swadel says.

Palmerston North City Council Deputy Mayor Duncan McCann says securing a temporary overhead line must be completed with urgency to give residents and businesses piece of mind.

‘‘Replacing underground cables has now become more critical and the response plan from Powerco gives us some surety. We will work to ensure this has priority status until the issues are fully resolved."

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