The North Canterbury electricity network is experiencing increasing demand as Amberley and surrounding communities continue to grow and electrify. To support this growth, improve security of supply and replace aging infrastructure, MainPower developed a new Amberley Zone Substation at Reserve Road, Balcairn, replacing the existing substation on Lawcocks Road.
The new Amberley Zone Substation increases network capacity and resilience, ensuring a more reliable electricity supply for homes, businesses and future developments across the Amberley area and neighbouring communities. The project future‑proofs the network by enabling further load growth and supporting long‑term planning for the region’s electricity needs.
The substation has been designed to blend into its rural surroundings, with the planting of native species used to screen the site over time. Environmental and visual impacts have been carefully considered throughout the design and consenting process, resulting in minimal visibility once planting is established.
The project has been delivered through a staged construction programme, including:
- Construction of a new zone substation at 41 Reserve Road, Balcairn.
- Installation of modern switchgear and associated electrical equipment to replace end‑of‑life assets.
- Upgrades to electricity lines and poles connecting to the new substation, improving network capacity and security of supply.
- Decommissioning of the existing Lawcocks Road substation once the new facility is fully operational.
MainPower has worked closely with utility contractor Connetics and local stakeholders throughout construction to deliver this critical infrastructure safely and efficiently.
Now operational, the Amberley Zone Substation strengthens the resilience of the North Canterbury network, supports future growth, and reinforces MainPower’s commitment to providing reliable, long‑term electricity infrastructure for the communities it serves.
