We're installing a new underground electricity supply cable between Bowen Street and Moore Street in Pipitea.
⚠️ Latest update as at 17 February 2023: Final resurfacing works are due to be completed on Saturday 18 February.
About the project
The cable will supply electricity for a new building development and increase the resilience of our power supply for the wider area. By providing increased electrical capacity, we're ensuring that the supply can meet current and future needs.
We’re also going to be installing a new communications cable which will further increase the reliability of the area’s power supply and reduce the impact that outages can cause.
What's involved
Between mid-September and the end of November/early December 2021, our contractor, Northpower, will be carrying out work at various points along the cable route. This will take place from 7am to 6pm on weekdays and 8am to 5pm on Saturdays. The work is split into three stages, which are divided roughly across three months*:
- Stage 1 (September 2021): Field preparation work – 'marking out' utilities with spray paint and exploratory potholing.
- Stage 2 (October 2021): Excavations to install ducts – digging up the road and reinstating it upon completion of each section.
- Stage 3 (November 2021): Installation of cabling – feeding the cable through the ducts and connecting it together at joint bays.
As we’re not working on any existing cables, no power interruptions are planned during the work. There is a chance that we might need to carry out a planned outage when we put the cable into service, but we'll let you know in advance (via your electricity retailer) if this is the case.
Where's affected
If you live or work along Ballantrae Place, Hill Street, Molesworth Street, Pipitea Street, Moore Street or any of the surrounding streets, you might be affected.
If your home or business is adjacent to one of the joint bays shown on the map, we'll need to return at Stage 3 in November – otherwise, we'll likely only be there between September and October. Once we're done, we'll make sure all roads and footpaths are restored to their original state.
How the work might impact you
We're proactively contacting residents and businesses in the area via email, and will continue to do so throughout the project (along with in-person letter drops, if possible).
Due to traffic management measures that will be in place for safety reasons, vehicle access to properties may be temporarily affected. This will generally be for no more than a day as our crews advance along the road, but we might need to ask you to move your vehicle from street parking on specific days. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.
Who's involved
This project is being managed by Northpower on behalf of Wellington Electricity (we*). Both Northpower and we* have worked with a number of parties including Wellington City Council, local iwi and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, who have given their consent for this work.
Interactive map
![](/assets/viewingmaps_lge__ResizedImageWzE2MCwyNl0.png)
*These stages are dependent on COVID-19 restrictions and may be subject to change.
Get in touch
✉️ Email
Wellington Electricity comms team
Phone
0800 237 693
If we're unable to resolve a complaint, you can call Utilities Disputes on 0800 22 33 40 or visit utilitiesdisputes.co.nz.
![warning symbol](/app/images/icon_important_black.png)
In an emergency
please contact our 24 hour
Electricity Emergency Line
To help improve our service, what feedback can you give us about this page?