12,000 homes in Brisbane’s south east get electricity boost

Homes and businesses in Brisbane’s south eastern suburbs are benefiting from the recent completion of the first stage of a $2.5 million upgrade to the Camp Hill substation, Energy Minster Geoff Wilson said today.

The two-stage upgrade involves upgrading existing 15MVA transformers with two new 25MVA transformers, increasing the capacity at the Ferguson Road substation by more than 60 per cent.

The project will directly benefit around 12,000 customers in Camp Hill, Carina, Carina Heights, Carindale, Coorparoo, Morningside, Norman Park and Seven Hills.

Mr Wilson said the upgrade was designed to cater for current and future increases in power use.

“Factors such as rapid commercial and residential expansion and affordable home air-conditioning have lead to a significant increase in energy use over the past few years, and that upward trend is expected to continue for years to come,” he said.

“Electricity consumption in the area is forecast to increase by almost 25 per cent over the next five years, and the upgrade at the Camp Hill substation will allow us to meet this rising demand for power.”

Member for Chatsworth Chris Bombolas said upgrades such as the new transformer at the Camp Hill substation would ensure the growing demands for power were met in years to come.

“The State Government and Energex are committed to providing a reliable electricity network in Brisbane’s south eastern suburbs and throughout the South East Queensland,” Mr Bombolas said.

“Importantly, the increased capacity resulting from this 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.”

Mr Wilson said the upgrade would also provide Energex technicians 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.

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