Major segments of the Marlborough Lines Ltd (MLL) 11kV electricity distribution network are positioned within remote areas of the Marlborough region including the Marlborough Sounds, the Awatere and Wairau Valleys and the North Eastern cost of the South Island. The majority of these remote rural lines are due for replacement within the coming 20 years in order to maintain safety and reliability. The increased maintenance costs of operating rural electricity lines and the number of customers they serve often results in the line being uneconomic to operate. This investigation determines the current economical efficiency of the Sounds Feeder, a segment of line in the Marlborough Sounds. The financial, social and regulatory implications of the continued operation of this section of the network after performing distribution renewals are assessed in order to define the likely impacts of wide spread asset renewal to MLL and its customers across the coming 20 years.