Two new electricity transformers have been delivered to Energex’s Indooroopilly substation as part of a multi-million dollar upgrade, Acting Energy Minister Rod Welford said today.

The dual 25MVA transformers replace aging equipment and will effectively increase the capacity of the substation by more than 60 percent.

The $7.3 million upgrade will reinforce power to 3,600 homes and businesses and will ensure the local network can cater for a projected 18 percent growth in electricity demand over the next two years.

Mr Welford said the upward spiral in demand was due to a significant increase in domestic demand and industrial growth in the area.

“The commercial growth we’ve seen in the city’s inner west has also placed additional requirements on the network,” he said.

“However, energy-demanding domestic appliances such as affordable home air-conditioning and plasma televisions have certainly been the driving forces behind these upgrades.”

Member for Indooroopilly Ronan Lee said the substation upgrade would help ensure the growing demands for power are met in years to come.

“The State Government and Energex are committed to providing a reliable electricity network in the western suburbs and throughout South East Queensland,” Mr Lee said.

“Importantly, the upgrade will give the area’s commercial district the means to expand and continue to create local jobs without placing undue pressure on the electrical network.”

The upgrade comes on top of two other big ticket Energex projects completed last year, including a $6 million upgrade to the Kenmore substation and $900,000 worth of new underground power cables along Moggill Road.

Mr Welford said combined, the new work would provide more switching options to restore power faster after unexpected damage to the network caused by storms, wild weather, vehicles hitting power poles or underground cables being accidentally damaged.

Energex thanked residents and motorists in advance for their patience while the upgrades were being undertaken.

The project is part of a record $4 billion-plus five-year capital expenditure program currently being undertaken by Energex.

In the 2007-08 financial year Energex is investing around $800 million on upgrades to its electricity network while a further $300 million-plus 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

Energex: (BH) 3407 4420 or (AH) 3407 5191