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18th June 2003

NEW MANGAWHAI SUBSTATION COMMISSIONED

On 15 November 2002 the Mangawhai 33,000 volt Substation tripped out due to a fault in the 33/11 kV transformer. This fault ignited the transformer oil and the subsequent fire destroyed the whole substation. The fault was sudden with no prior warning and there had been no technical problems with either the transformer or other equipment at the substation.

An emergency supply was established from the nearest substations Kaiwaka and Ruakaka in a relatively short time. This emergency supply was further enhanced the following day by a voltage regulator placed on the 11 kV feed from Kaiwaka and the connection of diesel generation to the network at Mangawhai Heads. As this emergency supply did not have the capacity to meet the summer holiday load of the area, work was started on establishing a temporary substation. This temporary substation was commissioned 12 days after the fire.

At the same time as the temporary substation were being established enquiries to suppliers for replacement equipment was being arranged. The call for tenders to purchase new equipment for the substation and permanent replacement was expected to be completed within 8 months. The time was due to the delivery period for the major items of equipment. Orders for replacement equipment were made just prior to Christmas and in the New Year.

The new substation is being commission today Wednesday 18th June, just over 7 months after the original substation was destroyed.

The replacement substation is technically similar to the previous substation e.g. same number of 11 kV distribution feeders and a similar capacity. The main difference being the material used for the two buildings. The new building has concrete wall to give a higher degree of fire protection. The total cost of rebuilding Mangawhai Substation is over $1,000,000, (including the emergency supply and temporary substation arrangements).

For further information contact Russell Watson - phone 430 1836

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