Better tree management key

Trees falling on to power lines in bad weather are a frequent cause of power outages in the Wakatipu. Photo: QLDC
Trees falling on to power lines in bad weather are a frequent cause of power outages in the Wakatipu. Photo: QLDC
Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult says the ''horrendous'' cost of running power lines underground in the Wakatipu to keep electricity on when it snows is difficult to justify.

In a statement, Aurora said putting lines underground typically cost ''three to nine times'' that of building overhead lines, depending on the voltage and location.

Given the costs would ultimately be passed to the consumer through line charges, any decision about converting to underground cables needed to be ''carefully considered in consultation with the community''.

Instead, Mr Boult said he had been assured there would be ''more proactive'' vegetation management to reduce the risk of branches and trees overwhelmed by snow falling on lines - something Aurora said it needed help from private landowners to do.

On Monday, 537 properties in Arthurs Point and Lower Shotover-Dalefield lost power for several hours after snow-laden branches failed about 9am.

Electricity was restored to Arthurs Point about noon and remaining customers were without power until just before 3pm.

In September, 4700 properties were left without power - some for days - during another snowfall.

Mr Boult had since talked to Aurora and Delta and said issues with the power supply in the Queenstown Lakes were due to heavy spring snow loadings causing branches to fail and hit overhead lines.

''They [Aurora and Delta] understand the seriousness of the issue and the fact we are not happy having the level of cuts that we have, so they have undertaken to be a lot more proactive in the future.''

While Aurora had an active programme of vegetation management on its network, most of the trees that had caused disruptions were outside its regulated cutting zone, where it had no authority to manage them.

''For example, trees that overhang power lines or are in the fall zone of power lines are not covered by current regulations.

''That's where we need the assistance of private landowners to keep trees on their property well clear of power lines to reduce the number of unexpected power outages and keep everyone safe,'' the company said.

Mr Boult said he had a ''degree of confidence'' that approach would result in fewer power cuts in the future.

tracey.roxburgh@odt.co.nz

 

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