Last updated: 06 Aug 2026
What did we do?
We need to continually operate, maintain and develop New Zealand's transmission network - the National Grid - to ensure we meet the ongoing electricity needs of New Zealanders.
As part of our work to facilitate New Zealand's move to a zero-carbon economy, we installed new transformers at our Frankton Substation to increase available power supply to Queenstown, Arrowtown and the surrounding areas. This work was completed in May 2025.
In May 2026, we completed an upgrade of our line and towers to increase the power that can flow to Frankton from Cromwell, ensuring this part of our network remains highly reliable under increased power transfers.
At the same time, we introduced flood risk mitigations at our Frankton site, which has a vulnerability to rainfall run-off from the small hill above it. This improved the flood resilience to an acceptable standard for a site of this importance.
Why did we do it?
Our Whakamana i te Mauri Hiko work has underlined the significant amount increase in electricity use that we can anticipate as Aotearoa transitions to meet New Zealand's zero-carbon future by 2050. We all expect power to be there at the flick of a switch, and we want it to be generated through renewable resources.
These upgrades enable the region to continue its path towards electrification, helping provide supply for new uses such as electric vehicles and low carbon heating as well as supporting continued economic development and regional growth. The upgrades also reduce the potential threat to the local tourism industry that could be the result of significant unplanned power outages.
New infrastructure will ultimately be required both for further power capacity increases and improved resilience. We are continuing to talk with Queenstown Lakes District Council, Aurora Energy and PowerNet, and we will be consulting with the community as and when our future plans begin to take shape.
Timeline and updates
May 2026 - Upgrades to the lines and towers that supply electricity from Cromwell to Frankton completed.
21 May 2025 - Two new transformers boost electricity supply in Queenstown | Transpower
3 April 2023 - Read our joint media release announcing the project with Aurora Energy and PowerNet.