Major electricity upgrade in Bromelton

Work is about to start on a $2.9 million project to upgrade the Energex Bromelton substation on Sandy Creek Road, Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today.

The upgrade will include the replacement of two 5 MV.A transformers with two 15 MV.A transformers, effectively tripling the electrical capacity to customers in Bromelton, Allenview, Josephville and Kooralbyn.

Mr Wilson said significant industrial growth was the main driver behind the upgrade.

“The area around Bromelton is showing steady industrial growth, particularly since being proposed as a State Development Area, and forecasts show the increasing demand for electricity continuing in years to come,” he said.

“Over the past few years the area has seen an industrial boom, with customers such as quarries, fan cooled chicken sheds and meat works significantly increasing the area’s electricity requirements.

“With more industrial developments in the pipeline, it’s essential for Energex to upgrade the electrical capacity in Bromelton to ensure we can continue to meet the area’s power needs.”

While most of the works will occur within the substation site, some excavation, heavy vehicle movement and footpath obstructions will be necessary to complete the upgrade.

All work is expected to be completed by February.

On behalf of Energex, Mr Wilson thanked residents and motorists in advance for their patience while work is completed, and said Energex would take all reasonable measures to reduce inconvenience to the community during this important upgrade to the local power network.

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

In the 2008-09 financial year Energex is investing around $830 million on upgrades to its electricity network while a further $340 million-plus has been set aside to maintain and operate the network – an overall average of more than $3 million a day.

Media contact: Minister’s office 3224 7332.