TransGrid Port Macquarie Substation Upgrade on Target

23 May 2006

TransGrid the New South Wales high voltage electricity network manager announced that work is progressing on the upgrade of the Port Macquarie 132kV Substation with the delivery of its first new transformers. The three existing 30 MVA transformers are being replaced by three 60 MVA transformers at an estimated cost of $9.5 Million.

The substation is being upgraded to meet the growing energy demand of this popular area.

The first transformer will arrive on site on the 24th May 2006 and be in service for the winter load. The second transformer is due to be installed in December 2006 with the third due to be in place in April 2007.

Once all three transformers are in place and operational the capacity of Port Macquarie's substation will have doubled.

The project manager, Mr Hai Tran said "the transformer replacement program is especially challenging as the work is to be carried out with major equipment being removed, the new transformers being installed within the constraints of an existing substation, and the substation continuing to operate and supply the Port Macquarie region."

He went on to say "this upgrade will provide the region with additional capacity to meet current and future demand for the continued development of this important area which is experiencing growth in its population".

TransGrid's capital works program, amounting to over $1.1 billion over the next five years across New South Wales, means that the people of New South Wales and the State's economy will continue to reap the benefits of a secure, safe and reliable high voltage grid.

For further information:
Contact: Joe Zahra
Telephone: (02) 9284 3300
Facsimile: (02) 9284 3522
Mobile: 0411 258 566