Centralines

03/11/2026

We were proud to be part of Sherwood Primary School’s ShakeOut Day! 💚

It was great to be involved alongside the local emergency services, helping our tamariki build confidence and learn how to stay safe in an emergency.

Thanks for having us!

21/10/2026

Did you know solar panels aren’t mirrors? ☀️

It’s a common assumption that a solar farm will create glare across the landscape – but panels are designed to do the opposite of a mirror.

They’re built to absorb sunlight, not bounce it back, because every bit of light reflected away is energy that isn’t being turned into electricity. That’s why panels use dark, anti-reflective surfaces.

So as our solar farm takes shape on the Ruataniwha Plains, it will quietly soak up the Hawke’s Bay sun and turn it into renewable electricity for Central Hawke’s Bay.

Centralines is proud to be a partner in the project alongside Lodestone Energy, supporting more local generation and helping strengthen energy resilience across Central Hawke’s Bay.

👉 Find out more about the project here:https://www.centralines.co.nz/tell-me-about/electricity/major-projects/solar-farm-project/
👉 Follow along for updates as it takes shape

📷: Photo credit to Lodestone Energy – Rangitaiki Solar Farm

15/10/2026

Did you know? ⚡
Our solar farm project will connect directly into the local electricity network via a new 33kV switchroom at Ruataniwha.

The new switchroom sits alongside Transpower’s Waipawa Grid Exit Point and is part of a major upgrade of our Ruataniwha Substation on Ongaonga Road, which strengthens supply for more than 9,300 homes, farms and businesses across the district.
- The upgraded substation has been built with the capacity and capability to take the renewable electricity generated at the solar farm and feed it straight into the local network.
- That means power generated here can be used here – reducing our reliance on electricity coming through a single Grid Exit Point and supporting a more resilient, locally powered energy system for Central Hawke’s Bay.

👉 Find out more about the project here: https://www.centralines.co.nz/tell-me-about/electricity/major-projects/solar-farm-project/
👉 Follow along for updates as it takes shape

13/10/2026

We’ve had a few frosty starts for the team on site at our solar farm lately! Now spring is here and we’re making great progress with early work continuing on site ☀️

Once complete, the solar farm on the Ruataniwha Plains will have around 49,000 panels generating about 49.6GWh a year – enough renewable electricity to power roughly 7,000 homes. The farm will connect directly into the local Centralines network, so power generated here can be used here.

Centralines is proud to be a joint venture partner in the project alongside Lodestone Energy, supporting more local power generation and helping strengthen energy resilience across Central Hawke’s Bay.

👉 Find out more about the project here:https://www.centralines.co.nz/tell-me-about/electricity/major-projects/solar-farm-project/
👉 Follow along for updates as it takes shape

10/10/2026

🚲 Another great community project we’re proud to support! 🚲

Centralines was delighted to contribute towards Pukehou School’s new bike track.

We’re so pleased to have been able to contribute to help bringing this idea to life. ❤️💚

07/10/2026

⚡ Be Ready for Planned Power Outages ⚡

Planned outages help us maintain and improve the electricity network that keeps homes, farms, and businesses across Central Hawke's Bay connected.

A few simple things you can do to prepare:
✅ Charge phones, devices, and power banks
✅ Keep torches handy and know where they are
✅ Plan ahead if you have equipment that relies on power
✅ If you are medically dependent on electricity, make sure your retailer is aware
✅ Check for upcoming outages before work gets underway

Remember, all planned power outages are communicated through your electricity retailer, so make sure your contact details are up to date with them.

You can also view upcoming planned outages in your area on our website: https://www.centralines.co.nz/outages/

For more tips on preparing for outages, visit: https://www.centralines.co.nz/tell-me-about/safety/be-prepared-for-power-outages/

Thanks for your patience while we carry out this essential work to keep the lights on across our region. 💚

⚡

04/10/2026

⚠️ Public Safety Warning – Copper Earth Theft ⚠️

We've recently seen an increase in copper earth theft across the Centralines network.

Earth wires are a critical safety component. Removing them puts our network, our crews, and the public at risk, and can result in serious injury or death.

We are asking our community to remain vigilant. If you see suspicious activity around power poles, transformers, substations, or other electrical equipment, please report it to Police immediately.

If you notice any damaged or tampered electrical assets, contact Centralines on 0800 NO POWER (0800 667 693).

Help us keep our community safe. 💚

02/10/2026

Thanks to everyone who joined us at our community information evening! ☀️

It was great to meet members of the community, answer your questions and share more about the Central Hawke’s Bay Solar Farm. We hope everyone who came along learned something new about the project and left with a better understanding of what we’re building and why.

The solar farm is being developed through a partnership between Centralines and Lodestone Energy, bringing more locally generated renewable electricity into the Centralines network and helping strengthen energy resilience for Central Hawke’s Bay.

Thanks again to everyone who took the time to come along and be part of the conversation.

Want to learn more about the project and follow its progress?
👉 Visit: https://bit.ly/3TEyhKa

27/09/2026

It’s been a proper wild one across Central Hawke’s Bay today! 💨⚡️

Our crews have been out and about across the district, battling the wind and working hard to get the lights back on.

We still have some customers without power, but we’re onto it and will get you back up and running as soon as we can.

If you’re without power and have not yet reported it, give us a call on 0800 NO POWER (0800 667 693).

Keep an eye on our website for the latest outage updates — and stay safe out there CHB! 💚

Before contacting us, there are a few simple checks you can perform, to find out whether the problem is on our network, or in your home.