$14 million power boost for Ashgrove-The Gap

Energex has completed work that will deliver a $14 million power boost in the city’s western suburbs.

Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson said the project would lead to the powering up of two new transformers at the Ashgrove substation.

“The upgrades will cater for future growth and power demand in the area,” Mr Wilson said.

“Power usage in the western suburbs is expected to grow by around 6% over the next year alone,” he said.

Member for Ashgrove Kate Jones said more than 15,000 homes and businesses throughout Ashgrove and The Gap would directly benefit from the upgrades.

“The upgrade will provide Energex with greater options to restore power faster after unexpected power losses,” Ms Jones said.

“In the past twelve months, we’ve seen Energex install underground cables between West Ashgrove and The Gap at a cost of $8.9 million.

“Energex has spent $3.75 million installing two new transformers at the Ashgrove substation and $1.5 million on upgrades to the powerlines around Red Hill.

“The new transformers alone will double the amount of power available to the local community,” she said.

Energex is spending $643 million this year on the electricity network while a further $263 million has been set aside to maintain and operate the network.

Energex supplies electricity to 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