Major Power Boost for Mid-North Coast Region

22 May 2008

Completion of an $8 million state-of-the-art upgrade to the Port Macquarie electricity network was today announced by Energy Minister Ian Macdonald.

Minister Macdonald said final checks conducted today cleared the way for the substation to enter full operation.

"TransGrid staff has conducted final tests on three brand new transformers that have been installed at the Thrumster St, Port Macquarie substation," he said.

"The transformers take the incoming, high-voltage power to a more manageable 33kV, allowing Country Energy to carry that electricity to local homes and businesses.

"The installation and testing of these new transformers worth $8 million in total will see the completion of this project ahead of schedule, and signals a significant investment by the Iemma Government in electricity infrastructure", said Mr Macdonald.

Despite recent weather activity, TransGrid managed to continue ahead of schedule to meet growing customer needs. By the end of this financial year, TransGrid will spend more than $400 million to expand the New South Wales high voltage electricity network, including $32 million for transformer additions and replacements at Port Macquarie, Beaconsfield, Finley, Kempsey, Sydney West and Tomago.

"Reliability of electricity supply is our priority, and with this state-of-the-art infrastructure now fully operational, electricity supply to the rapidly growing mid-north coast region has been reinforced", said Mr Macdonald.

"The Port Macquarie substation project is one part of a much larger program to secure the electricity supply of New South Wales' mid-north coast, as demand in the region continues to climb.

"This is the kind of long term infrastructure investment the Iemma Government will continue to make in our electricity networks - with the public retaining full ownership of the distribution network."

Media Contact: David Fayyad Corporate Relations Manager