Electricity Supplier Marlborough Sounds South Island New Zealand Power Network

Where We Fit

Marlborough Lines is the last link in the chain when it comes to making sure you receive a quality electricity supply. Your power is generated at a number of sites around New Zealand and then transported to Marlborough by national grid operator Transpower.

We then transport this electricity, at varying voltages, from the supply substations around the region through our network to you.

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We are physically connected to each and every building in our network area, and we have a complete network of lines and equipment to support this. Our network includes substations, overhead lines, underground cable, transformers and power poles.

You pay us a line charge for providing this service, which is included in your monthly bill from your energy retailer. Your energy retailer is the company that sells you your electricity. For a list of energy retailers currently operating on Marlborough Lines' Network, please click here.

The Energy Chain
The following diagram explains the electricity supply process, from generator to end user.

1. Power Stations
Electricity is generated by hydro-electric power stations in the South Island. The North Island also has thermal and geo-thermal plants. The DC line allows energy to be transmitted between the North and South Islands.

2. Transmission Lines
TransPower own and operate the National Grid. This consists of the Transmission Lines (220kV and 110kV) and the equipment used to connect to the National Grid (eg. Blenheim Substation).

3. Distribution Network
Marlborough Lines owns and operates the Distribution Network. (ie. the power lines and equipment that transport power from the National Grid to your property boundary) within Marlborough. We also operate a business unit for the construction and maintenance of lines. Marlborough Lines has 290 kms of 33kV power lines from Ward to the Rai Valley and has 2236 kms of 11kV power lines, and owns 687 kms of 230/400 V lines in the streets.

4. Zone Stations
Marlborough Lines has 14 zone substations which convert 33kV electricity to 11kV.

5. Distribution Transformers
Marlborough Lines has 3365 Distribution Transformers which convert the 11kV electricity into 400/230 V.

6. Electricity User
The final part of the 400V lines from the streets to the house is owned by the electricity user.

Click here to view Marlborough Lines' Asset Management Plan which provides details of our network (1.3MB PDF file)