$4 million power boost for the Gold Coast

Energex has started work on a $4 million electricity upgrade which will benefit homes and businesses across the northern end of the Gold Coast.

Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson said the project involves the installation of a new bulk supply transformer at the Molendinar electricity substation, plus three new underground electricity cables to boost the power network in the area.

“The Gold Coast is one of the fastest growing regions in the country, with the population tipped to almost double by 2021,” Mr Wilson said.

“Almost 1000 new homes and businesses have been connected to the Energex network every month for the past few years.

“That represents a significant demand for additional power and Energex staff are working hard to meet that growth,” he said.

Member for Southport Peter Lawlor said homes and business in suburbs including Arundel, Parkwood, Ernest, Molendinar, Nerang, Ashmore, Benowa and Carrara would benefit through increased electricity capacity and reliability.

“In the past two years, Energex has invested around $200 million in the Gold Coast region,” Mr Lawlor said.

“Civil works involved in the latest upgrade will take place in stages in Ashmore Road, Activity Crescent, Jade Drive, Harper Street, under the Southport-Nerang Road and Cotlew Street.

“Works associated with the project involve excavating, trenching and boring under the road to lay new cables.

“As a precaution safety barriers will be installed around the works site and traffic controllers will direct traffic,” Mr Lawlor said.

Energex has a strong focus on installing new electricity works underground where practical.

In the last four years Energex has installed almost 3000 km of new underground electricity cable in south east Queensland – about the equivalent distance of travelling by road from Brisbane to Darwin.

Energex is spending $643 million this financial year on the electricity network while a further $263 million has been set aside to maintenance and operation of the network.

Energex supplies electricity to a population of around 2.7 million people in south east Queensland.

The company’s distribution area of 25,000 square kilometres includes almost 50,000km of underground and overhead electricity lines and cables, over half a million power poles, some 40,000 transformers and more than 260,000 street lights.

Media Inquiries: Brooke Johnson (07) 3224 7332