38 | INFRASTRUCTURE Marlborough Lines Focused on meeting community needs Richard Loader From keeping the lights shining and businesses operating, through to providing employment opportunities and the delivery of community sponsorships and support, a strong focus on community has always been the beating heart of Marlborough Lines Ltd (MLL). Owned by its consumers, MLL’s origins stem back to 1923 and the old Power Board days before the electricity reforms of the ‘90s and the development of local Trusts. Based in Blenheim, MLL’s vast territory starts at Waipapa Bay on the Kaikoura Coast, runs across to Molesworth Station, borders Nelson Lakes and the Rai Valley and embraces the Marlborough Sounds. “Secure supply is never 100% guaranteed because you do have events beyond control, but you really do want to minimise the impact to businesses in particular.” Taking electricity from the national grid, MLL delivers power to its 26,000+ residential, agricultural, commercial and industrial consumers. With its own in-house contracting business MLL is focused on network renewal and expansion, while also offering a range of other services including subdivision work, electrical contracting, test expertise and cable location services. With climate change a fact of life, MLL has recently established Energy Marlborough Ltd, a subsidiary focused on developing renewable energy in Marlborough, primarily solar. Energy Marlborough will not only contribute through investment in renewable generation but also investment in opportunities that accelerate electrification. As lifestyles and livelihoods have become increasingly entwined with the use of electricity reliant technology the need for robust and resilient networks in our communities to page 40 underlines the importance of providers such as MLL. MLL CEO Tim Cosgrove, puts it simply; if we don’t have a robust and resilient network there is a massive impact to the economy, not just to the lights going out at home. “Take it to the extreme, if a business can’t operate, can’t produce or provide services because of power failure ultimately they can’t pay their staff, which has its own snow ball effect. “Secure supply is never 100% guaranteed because you do have events beyond control, but you really do want to minimise the impact to businesses in particular.” PH (03) 578 3475 | www.crafarcrouch.co.nz Civil Works - Earthmoving Drainage, Housing & Subdivisions CRAFAR CROUCH Proudly supporting Marlborough Lines
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