Partnership strengthens regional electricity services
Waipā Networks and WEL Networks (WEL) are building on more than 20 years of collaboration with a new agreement that will see Waipā Networks use an established WEL platform to modernise the management of its electricity network.
Waipā Networks will implement a new Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS), a software platform used to monitor, control and optimise the distribution of electricity across the network. By extending WEL’s existing control room platform in a co-hosted setup, Waipā Networks will have greater real-time visibility of its network.
For customers, this means better information during outages, faster decision-making when faults occur, and a network better prepared for increasing electrification and new energy technologies.
The agreement builds on a strong foundation of collaboration between the two organisations and highlights WEL’s role in delivering scalable, high-quality operational platforms. It shows how regional lines companies can work together to optimise specialist capability, reduce duplication and deliver better outcomes for the communities they serve.
Waipā Networks Chief Executive Damien Whiffen says the partnership is a practical example of collaboration working well.
“This is a significant step forward for Waipā Networks, and a strong example of what can be achieved when regional lines companies work together.
“Rather than building a separate system from the ground up, we’re partnering with WEL to use proven technology, shared expertise and a control room model we already know works. It’s a more efficient approach that reduces risk, avoids unnecessary duplication and helps us focus our investment where it matters most – keeping the network safe, reliable and ready for the future.”
WEL Networks Chief Executive Garth Dibley says this latest agreement reflects the strength of the existing relationship and WEL’s capability to support regional outcomes.
“We’ve worked closely with Waipā Networks for more than 20 years, so this is a natural extension of the control room services we already provide to them and will also provide their engineers with more detailed visibility of their network status.
“By using a common platform, our teams can operate even more effectively, especially during major network events. It’s a good example of regional collaboration delivering practical benefits.”
Whiffen says the new system will strengthen safety, reliability and customer outcomes by improving real-time network visibility and supporting faster response and restoration during outages.
“It will improve decision-making during storms and major events, streamline our team’s workflow, and provide a platform for future technologies, including more solar, batteries, electric vehicles and other new energy technologies connecting to the network.”
The ADMS rollout is expected to be phased. As the next step, the Waipā Networks and WEL teams will work closely with key service providers on execution planning.
Whiffen says the partnership also shows how electricity distribution businesses can work together as networks become more complex.
“This partnership shows there are practical ways for distribution businesses to work together while staying locally owned and independently operated. It puts Waipā Networks in a stronger position to meet growing demand, support new energy technology, and continue delivering safe, reliable electricity to our communities.”
Photo: Craig Endres – Distribution Network Controller, WEL Networks, in the control room, monitoring real-time network performance