38 | Power Solutions Otago T T Russell Fredric Powering up the southern regions Mark Lamming: “Every project has its own unique differences.” “The area, especially Central Otago, doesn’t offer a lot in terms of industrial automation, so I began using my high voltage experience which I gained in the mining industry and started focusing on that and moved into distribution design which is a big part of our business.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT A passion for professionalism and efficient design principles has been serving Power Solutions Otago and its clients admirably during the past six years. The company employs a team of 11 staff whose skills cover design, engineering, cable jointing, high voltage distribution and electrical inspection for both underground and overhead networks and assets. Owned by Mark Laming and Alex Gaffaney, the Wanaka-based business is approved to undertake work that is part of or will connect to the Aurora network. Aurora supplies electricity to more than 200,000 consumers throughout Otago, Central Otago, Wanaka and Queenstown. Power Solutions offers design-to-installation services to developers, surveyors, planners, farming and agriculture, landowners, businesses and private homes. This can be for new a project or power upgrade requirements for subdivisions, increasing or decreasing capacity within an existing network, relocation or removal of Aurora assets, or network power. Mark started the business in 2018 and his background includes experience in Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Finland, Australia and New Zealand in electrical distribution, mining, fast food manufacturing, dairy, large-scale farm irrigation, automation, and building and commissioning switchboards. Along with looking for a new challenge, establishing the business was the “next step” Mark says, but he also realised there was a gap in the market. “The area, especially Central Otago, doesn’t offer a lot in terms of industrial automation, so I began using my high voltage experience which I gained in the mining industry and started focusing on that and moved into distribution design which is a big part of our business.” The primary focus initially was to assist Aurora with the extensive development in the area with subdivisions and high voltage distribution work, the hands-on part of the business, and this led to offering computer-based CAD design services. “There was a lot of work going on. We became an approved contractor on the Aurora network at the beginning of 2022.” This enabled Power Solutions to offer its services directly to Aurora without having to go through an existing approved contractor, with the benefit of being able to streamline its service to its clients and provide a one-stop service for design, engineering, and commissioning. Power Solutions Otago can provide 3D graphics for an excellent visual reference of the layout and equipment included in a proposed high voltage scheme or in any project. This is especially beneficial when a proposal requires a notifiable resource consent. An example is a project Power Solutions have undertaken for the Queenstown marina electrification at Frankton. The innovative development includes 85 lake marina berths with 112 further berths being available September 2024, along with 17 floating sheds. The marina will include two electric boat charging cabinets while the overall scheme requires a “huge” 1 MVA (1 million volt-amperes) transformer for its power supply. “It’s one of the largest transformers that you are allowed to put on the network.” “For that we had to draw up [in 3D] what that would look like considering that’s right on the lake and in the public eye.” Demand for high voltage electricity distribution has grown considerably during the past five years and Mark expects this trend to not only continue but to increase due to decarbonisation and the resulting increase in various types of electric vehicles. Consequently, this has become part of Power Solutions s business strategy which includes offering a simple end-to-end approach to various forms of connections with a focus efficiency in the design, installation and in the running of each system. “We simplify that process as much as possible so we make it as easy as possible for the client to then understand it. We work closely with the client to be one point of call. They call us up, they tell us what they want and we sort everything out for them. “Every project has its own unique differences.” Projects Power Solutions is currently involved in includes the 100 hectare, 18 hole Parkins Bay Golf Course at Glendhu Bay, Wanaka, Queenstown Airport’s electrification project, and work related to installing traffic signals at the State Highway 6/ 6A Frankton intersection for New Zealand Transport Agency through its relationship with Aurora. Parkins Bay Golf Course will include a 46 lot housing development, while the Queenstown Airport project has added airside ground service vehicle charging stations which required larger or new transformers and new distribution switchgear to meet higher electrical loads. It is very satisfying to be attracting this type of work in a relatively young business, Mark says. “It’s great larger corporations want to use a smaller company like Power Solutions to provide unique electrical solutions.” CLARK FORTUNE McDONALD LAND SURVEYORS - LAND DEVELOPMENT - PLANNING CONSULTANTS QUEENSTOWN | DUNEDIN | CHRISTCHURCH | GORE www.cmfa.co.nz
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