$14 million power boost for Chinchilla

Ergon Energy is set to boost power in the Chinchilla region through an estimated $14 million redevelopment of the town’s bulk supply substation.

Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson welcomed the decision by the Ergon Energy Board to increase electricity supply in the region.

“The redevelopment will double the capacity of the existing substation,” Mr Wilson said.

“This will provide a more reliable power supply to around 7,600 customers in and around Chinchilla, including Brigalow, Condamine, Drillham, Dulacca, Gurulmundi, Jackson, Kogan, Miles, Jandowae and Warra.

“Work includes replacing the existing transformers in the substation with two larger transformers.

“The booming growth in the area has resulted in a rapid increase in demand for electricity.

“Electricity demand has experienced growth rates as high as 10% a year over the last few years.

“This shows no signs of slowing down, largely due to the attraction of the Kogan Creek Power Station.

“The redevelopment will secure power supplies to the region for the future,” he said.

The substation would be rebuilt on the existing site near Bulldog Park. Ergon Energy would also install a temporary substation and transformer on the land adjacent to the bulk supply substation at Slessar Street.

The existing distribution substation in Slessar Street, near the Ergon Energy depot, will remain in operation.

A temporary substation to support power supply during the redevelopment is expected to be completed this year. The bulk supply substation redevelopment is scheduled to be completed at the end of 2008.

Ergon Energy is delivering significant upgrades to its vast regional Queensland network through a record capital expenditure program of more than $700 million this year.

The Ergon Energy network is comprised of more than 150,000 kilometres of powerlines, about 1 million power poles and 70,000 substations and extends from Birdsville in south west Queensland to Thursday Island in the Torres Strait, over more than 1 million square kilometres or six times the size of Victoria.

Media Inquiries: Brooke Johnson (07) 3224 7332 or 0439 783 443