South West region set to benefit from electricity investment

Households and businesses in south west Queensland will be the big winners from Ergon Energy’s increased capital works budget, Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson said today.

The Minister said $95 million had been set aside for projects in the region in the 2007/08 financial year.

“Ergon Energy plans to continue high levels of investment into its network in the south west region,” Mr Wilson said.

Mr Wilson said more than $80 million had also been earmarked for vegetation management right across regional Queensland.

“The vegetation management work is vital in preparing the region for severe storms that can strike the south west, especially during the summer.

“When disaster strikes, Ergon Energy swings into action. Ergon Energy has the capacity to move hundreds of people around the state to help deal with whatever nature throws at the electricity network.

“This is timely given dire weather bureau predictions of more severe storms on the horizon.

“When the next one strikes, we should spare a thought for the Ergon Energy workers who will be out in that bad weather restoring damaged powerlines, instead of relaxing at home with their families.

“It’s not a 9 to 5 job. It can be hazardous and for that we owe them our thanks,” Mr Wilson said.

Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine said key projects in Ergon Energy’s budget included new substations for Kearney Springs, Oakey and Cawdor, near Highfields.

“There will also be upgrades to substations in Dalby and Roma,” Mr Shine said.

Mr Shine said work would also be carried out on a new high voltage power line to Warwick.

CEO of Ergon Energy, Tony Bellas said Ergon Energy’s 2007/08 budget was a record $796 million in capital expenditure for regional Queensland.

“Our biggest, immediate challenge is to meet the demand for connections and network extensions,” Mr Bellas said.

“We are moving our business to meet that challenge and the Ergon Energy’s domestic and commercial customers will reap the benefits of our budgeted works,” he said.

Mr Bellas said Ergon Energy’s works program would focus on a number of major infrastructure projects across all regions.

“It is a substantial investment in the regions we serve and will be focussed on areas of highest need and forecast growth,” Mr Bellas said.

Reinforcement of power supply and capacity into 13 major Queensland population centres forms the backbone of works scheduled for the new financial year.

Mr Bellas said demand for electricity on Ergon Energy’s network continued to increase at around five per cent a year.

“Continuing strong economic and population growth throughout the state and the increasing popularity of air conditioning are the main drivers of this demand,” he said.

“As such, demand management will continue to be an important part of our network strategy and we would encourage our customers to consider energy-saving advice offered by Ergon Energy for immediate benefits on their bill and less impact on the environment in the longer term,” he said.

Media Inquiries: Minister’s Office Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819

Ergon Energy Andrew Fox 4687 0412