Substation upgrade a powerful boost for 11,000 customers

A $3.8 million dollar upgrade to the local electricity network in Kallangur will boost power supply to nearly 11,000 homes and businesses, Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today.

The recently completed Energex upgrade work included the installation of an additional 33/11kV transformer, new 11kV switchgear and associated substation equipment.

Mr Wilson said the upgrade injected a further 50 percent capacity into the Kallangur substation to cater for a forecast increase in local power usage.

“The Kallangur region is a fast growing region of Brisbane and it is expected to increase its power usage by 15 percent over the next four years,” Mr Wilson said.

“These upgrades will allow for this significant future growth across the Kallangur area.

“Households and businesses are using far more electricity than they were 10 years ago and this, combined with factors such as rapid commercial expansion, affordable home air-conditioning, mean we need to keep ahead of demand when it comes to electricity.”

The capacity increase allows for anticipated future increased demand in Kallangur, Lawnton, Griffin, Dakabin, Kurwongbah, Petrie and Murrumba Downs.

Member for Kallangur Ken Hayward welcomed the upgrade work.

“Boosting the capacity of the electricity network of the Kallangur region is important in helping us meet future demands for power in the region,” Mr Hayward said.

Mr Hayward thanked locals for their patience during the upgrades.

Mr Wilson said in the 2007-08 financial year Energex was investing $827 million on upgrades to its electricity network.

“A further $306 million has been set aside to maintain and operate the network – an overall average of more than $3 million a day.”

Media Inquiries: Caroline Kaurila 3224 7332