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Westpower: Powering the West Coast
Westpower's shares are held by the West Coast Electric Power Trust on behalf of local electors, ensuring that our decisions remain closely aligned with the interests of the community. Our core purpose is to provide a secure and reliable electricity supply across the region. We accomplish this by maintaining responsive customer service, investing in infrastructure, and continuously enhancing operational efficiency. By fostering local partnerships and supporting community initiatives, we aim to drive sustainable growth and long-term benefits for the West Coast.
To further support and strengthen our core services, Westpower owns a group of specialised electrotechnology companies within the ElectroNet Group, offering electrical engineering, contracting, and innovative technology solutions throughout New Zealand.
Our Business, Our Community
Westpower own and operate the electricity distribution network across Westland, Grey, and part of the Buller Districts. We operate over 2,000 kilometres of power lines, spanning from Lyell to Paringa in South Westland.
Our work with Transpower ensures a secure supply to key Grid Exit Points across the region.
The West Coast Electric Power Trust holds shares in Westpower on behalf of local consumers. Trustees are elected every two years, ensuring our stewardship stays grounded in the community.
Westpower plays an important role in advocating for the West Coast, teaming with Transpower to ensure a secure supply of electricity to reach the region's growing needs.
Our Mission
At Westpower, we are committed to delivering reliable and secure electricity to our community, while remaining responsive to the needs of our customers. With a strong commitment to the region and efficient operations, we serve over 13,000 consumers across 18,017 square kilometres of the West Coast.
ElectroNet Group
ElectroNet Contracting provides crucial power services to communities, offering electrical solutions for generation companies, distribution companies, businesses (both large and small), and homeowners.
With expertise in cutting-edge technologies, including IoT solutions that enable real-time monitoring and management of energy networks, ElectroNet Technology enhances operational efficiency and system reliability.
History
In 1999 Westpower sold off its electricity generation assets as required by the Electricity Industry Reform Act 1998. After the reforms, Westpower's Board of Directors led the company through a period of consolidation, focussing primarily on operating and maintaining its distribution network which covers 18,017 square kilometres of the West Coast.
The government moves to allow distribution companies to re-enter the generation market in the mid 2000's, saw Westpower move ahead with its planned Amethyst Hydro Scheme. The 7.2 MW run of the river scheme was commissioned in June 2013.
Company Structure
The Trustees, elected from the local community, hold the shares in Westpower on behalf of the electricity consumers of the West Coast.
Westpower is an electricity distribution company, and is responsible for transporting electricity from the national grid to consumers.
Westpower is the parent company for the group and owns electrical contracting and consultancy businesses that form the ElectroNet group of companies, along with electricity generator, Amethyst Hydro Ltd.
Amethyst Hydro Ltd is a joint venture company which owns and operates the Amethyst Hydro Scheme. The scheme commenced generation in mid June 2013 as the result of 9 years of planning, design and construction. The support of the local community has been instrumental in ensuring that this important piece of community-owned West Coast electricity infrastructure has been able to be built.