21 Jul 2025
Transpower, Aurora Energy and PowerNet are asking Queenstown residents for their views on the best way to provide a more resilient and secure electricity supply into the region for the long term.
The region’s growing population and increased focus on electrification (moving to appliances and cars that are powered by electricity rather than fossil fuels) means there’s more demand for electricity now, and there’ll be even more demand in the future.
For more than a year, the national grid operator and two electricity distribution businesses (lines companies) have been working with Queenstown Lakes District Council and other major energy users to forecast the region’s long-term future electricity needs and investigate ways to meet it.
Transpower’s Executive General Manager Grid Development Matt Webb said everyone has a shared ambition of ensuring Queenstown has electricity infrastructure that residents and visitors can rely on.
“While the transmission system has capacity and resilience to handle current demand to around 2030-2032, it’s vital to plan for what the region will need through to 2050 and beyond, taking into account new technologies and changes in electricity use.”
Aurora Energy Chief Executive Richard Fletcher said Queenstown has an ambitious vision to become the world’s most electrified destination. Transpower's transmission lines are the backbone that will support this future by ensuring the region is supplied with sufficient electricity from the national grid.
"It's important that planning at both Transpower's transmission level as well as Aurora Energy and PowerNet’s distribution level considers any benefits that might come from the integration of locally generated electricity and battery storage. The engagement we're doing now seeks feedback on this important area."
PowerNet’s Acting Chief Executive David Stevens said that the consultation was a good opportunity for the local community to really understand the challenges and to find the best option for the region as a whole.
“These are big decisions to make and they’ll have a real impact on future generations,” he said. “We encourage everyone to learn about the options and have their say.”
The consultation closes on 19 September.
More information about the consultation and the four options is available on www.energisingqueenstown.co.nz
For further information please contact:
Aurora Energy Lisa Gloag, Customer and Engagement Manager, [email protected] or
021 185 4988
PowerNet [email protected] or (03) 211 1899
Transpower [email protected] or 021 195 8613.