$2.7 million power boost for Lowood

ENERGEX is investing in a $2.7 million power boost for Lowood and surrounding areas by installing a new local substation, Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson announced today.

“Work has started on the new infrastructure which will further strengthen the supply to nearly 900 homes and businesses in the Lowood area,” Mr Wilson said.

“The project will supply power to the new water grid’s pumping station.

“The project involves the installation of a new substation at ENERGEX’s Kleinhams Court site with work expected to be completed early 2008.

“Upgrade work will also occur on the overhead powerlines in Kleinhams Court, Noland Street, Main Street and Clarendon Road to ensure the local electricity network is ready for the new substation,” he said.

Member for Ipswich West Wayne Wendt said the new substation would add more than 30% additional capacity in the local power network allowing for current and future growth in the local area.

“As urban sprawl moves further west, demand on local infrastructure is forecast to increase at around 4% a year and the new substation will assist ENERGEX keep pace with this population growth,” Mr Wendt said.

“The new substation will also assist ENERGEX technicians to restore power faster should unexpected interruptions occur to the network.

“ENERGEX will have more options to redirect electricity from other parts of the network,” he said.

Mr Wendt said the Lowood project was part of a record $4 billion-plus five-year capital expenditure program currently being undertaken by ENERGEX.

ENERGEX is investing $827 million this year on upgrades to its electricity network while a further $306 million has been set aside to maintain and operate the network – that’s an overall average of more than $3 million a day.

Media inquiries: Brooke Johnson (07) 3224 7332