Northern Tablelands Energy Investment

Thursday, 22 November 2007

$44 million power surge for Glen Innes

The NSW Government will spend $44 million strengthening Glen Innes? electricity network in the Northern Tablelands, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said today.

Ms Sharpe said the significant investment includes an $11 million upgrade of a substation in Golf Links Road, replacing the existing TransGrid facility, which was built in the 1970?s.

"This major investment demonstrates the Iemma Government?s commitment to meeting the future energy needs of families and business? in Glen Innes, Guyra and Emmaville," Ms Sharpe said.

"The project is expected to be completed shortly and the improved modern design will make it much more visually appealing than the existing one."

"The TransGrid substation will connect to Country Energy's three local substations, which then supplies more than 6,000 customers."

TransGrid is a State-owned corporation which transmits electricity across NSW.

TransGrid?s Managing Director Kevin Murray said the investment is part of the corporation?s infrastructure blueprint to meet electricity demand for NSW.

"TransGrid is midway through a $1.2 billion network capital expenditure program, which is supporting future economic growth of NSW."

Ms Sharpe also announced Country Energy is spending $6.6 million to upgrade its Glen Innes zone substation, located just outside the town on the Gwydir Highway.

"This involves a major upgrade to the existing substation to improve reliability and cater for future electricity demands," Ms Sharpe said.

"The project is expected to be completed by December 2008."

"These two projects are significant investments in infrastructure and proves the NSW Government is committed to keeping the lights on in NSW, providing a secure energy future for the State?s families and businesses."

Media Contact: David Fayyad/Corporate Relations Manager
Email: media.contact@transgrid.com.au