PowerNet Limited

Who is PowerNet? 

For nearly 100 years the owners of the PowerNet managed networks have, under a variety of different names, quietly and efficiently provided a safe, efficient and reliable electricity distribution network to the people of the lower South Island.

PowerNet was established in 1994 by network owners Electricity Invercargill Limited and The Power Company Limited to develop, manage and maintain their electricity network assets in Invercargill and Southland in a cost-effective way, and to maximize benefits for their consumers.

PowerNet provides the same services in North, South and East Otago on behalf of OtagoNet Joint Venture; in Stewart Island on behalf of the Southland District Council; and in the Frankton area of Queenstown on behalf of Electricity Southland Limited.

Based on the regulatory Optimised Deprival Valuations (ODV) of the networks it manages, PowerNet is the equivalent of the fourth largest network company in New Zealand, delivering electricity to around 65,000 consumers.

What do we do?

PowerNet employs over 60 staff who are charged with analyzing, designing, constructing and maintaining the electricity network assets along with managing regulatory and financial reporting.

Field services are provided by key service providers. These services include capital, maintenance and fault work on the network lines and substations and vegetation management work.

Specialist PowerNet staff operate a 24/7 system control room and faults call centre in Invercargill. System Control staff manage all faults, repairs and activity on the PowerNet managed networks.

PowerNet’s involvement in the community

PowerNet is a Southland company with a strong sense of community responsibility. We are involved in the community in a myriad of ways from supporting young people by offering Electrical Engineering scholarships , to providing support for significant community facilities and sponsoring events.

One of the key events that we sponsor is the PowerNet Tour of Southland - New Zealand's premier multi-stage road cycle race which is listed on the international cycling calendar and is a major event on the Australasian circuit. PowerNet staff are passionate about all things cycling and are ardent supporters of this significant Southland event.