Power boost for the regions

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson has told State Parliament that the power supply to regional Queensland was about to get even better.

Minister Wilson said Ergon Energy had signed a multi-million dollar contract for 3,000 low voltage regulators to boost its electricity network.

“These regulators are designed to reduce power surges and maintain a steady voltage to homes and businesses,” Mr Wilson said.

“The low voltage regulators will be particularly helpful for businesses that use industrial machinery and other equipment.

“Ergon Energy advises it will lead to reduced wait times in fixing voltage problems and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

“This is about quality control and it will fix problems such as lights going dim, when at other times they are bright.

“Low voltage regulators stabilise the voltage and keep the quality of electricity steady.

“Customers expect reliable power, and that’s the main reason why these low voltage regulators appealed to Ergon Energy.

“They trialed the new technology for about six months, and achieved excellent results,” Mr Wilson said.

“According to Ergon Energy, the way in which the simple innovation worked was better than anything else they had seen.

“Previously, some voltage problems on the network had been difficult and even impractical to solve by conventional means.

“These regulators, the size of a briefcase, have been adapted to suit our Queensland climate,” he said.

Delivery is expected early next year from US-based company, MicroPlanet.

The Minister said Ergon Energy planned to install the regulators on power poles in parts of its rural network, including remote parts of Torres Strait.

“This is another example of the Bligh Government delivering better services to people who live and work in regional Queensland,” Mr Wilson said.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819