Double the power for Warwick’s electricity supply

Ergon Energy has delivered a major boost to Warwick’s main electricity source with the installation of a second transformer at the city’s bulk supply substation.

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said the $2.7 million project more than doubled the capacity of the Warwick bulk supply substation in the past three years.

“It means there’ll be less likelihood of interruptions to supply during storms, such as those that have hit the city this summer,” Mr Wilson said.

“It’s great news for the 16,000 customers who rely on Ergon Energy for their power needs in the Warwick and Stanthorpe areas,” he said.

Ergon Energy Manager Regional Services Dave Heberlein said the Warwick bulk supply substation previously had two 20MVA transformers.

“Ergon Energy replaced one of those with a 50MVA unit two years ago and has now replaced the other smaller transformer with a second 50MVA unit.

“There is now a much greater capacity to keep pace with development in Warwick and the Granite Belt.

“Two 50MVA transformers will significantly improve the security of supply for the local community,” Mr Heberlein said.

Mr Heberlein said that if there was a problem, such as a lighting strike on the line providing the incoming supply to one transformer, the other could act as a back-up and automatically take the load without disrupting supply to customers.

The Minister said Ergon Energy was also making progress on a $30 million program of additional upgrades to the region’s supply network.

“The focus is on upgrading the two 110,000-volt lines that run from Middle Ridge to the Warwick bulk supply substation, and further works to modernise the substation itself.

In October, Ergon Energy completed a $2 million upgrade to one of the two 110,000 volt lines which involved replacing more than 220 sets of timber crossarms with new fibre composite ones.

The second 110,000 volt line is to be replaced with a new concrete pole line built along the existing corridor.  The project is in the planning stage and is expected to be completed in June 2008.

The $30 million upgrade program also includes building a 110,000 volt busbar and capacitor banks at the substation.  This will provide greater flexibility to transfer load and maintain supply in the event of problems with either incoming transmission line.  It is also due for completion in 2008.

Mr Wilson said the work would improve the reliability and flexibility of equipment in Warwick's electricity network.

“Warwick’s power supply will be much more secure as a result of these improvements,” he said.

“The incoming 110,000-volt lines and the bulk supply substation in Warwick are the foundation upon which the area’s power network is built.

“The capital works program focuses on upgrading key pieces of infrastructure to make sure they provide a strong and secure backbone for the region's power supply.

“When these works are completed, they will be capable of catering for the expected growth in Warwick over the next 25 years.

“We’re investing in more than power supplies, we’re investing in the people who live and work in the Warwick area,” he said.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819