Brisbane’s eastern suburbs get a powerful boost

Homes and businesses in Brisbane’s eastern suburbs are benefiting from a $2.8 million upgrade to the local electricity network, Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today.

The recently completed Energex upgrade included the installation of new high voltage underground electricity cables between the Bulimba substation at and Hawthorne Road.

Mr Wilson said the upgrade would both increase the electricity supply to the area and improve network reliability.

“Growth in the eastern suburbs combined with lifestyle changes, such as a significant rise in the use of home air-conditioning, has seen an increase in power consumption over the past few years,” Mr Wilson said.

“The new underground cables will only increase electricity capacity for the suburbs around Bulimba, but will also allow Energex to continue to deliver a reliable electricity supply by providing technicians with more switching options to restore power faster after unexpected damage to the network.

“Energex is committed to delivering safe and reliable power throughout South East Queensland, and projects such as the upgrade in Bulimba will ensure we can continue to deliver for years to come.”

Almost 10,000 homes and businesses in parts of Hawthorne, Seven Hills, Camp Hill, Morningside, Norman Park, Balmoral and Bulimba will benefit from the upgrade.

Energex thanked residents and motorists for their patience during the necessary upgrades.

Mr Wilson said Energex had a strong focus on undergrounding new electricity works where practical. In the last five years, Energex has installed more than 4400 km of new underground electricity cable in South East Queensland – about the equivalent distance of travelling by road from Brisbane to Perth.

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