TransGrid, the state-owned corporation responsible for the NSW high voltage electricity network, today announced a $6 million upgrade to Koolkhan Substation has commenced, to meet growing energy needs in the Grafton and Clarence Valley region.
“Peak electricity demand in the area is expected to increase by 35 per cent over the next 10 years,” said Chris FitzGerald, General Manager of Capital Program Delivery at TransGrid.
“In this region, the maximum electricity demand occurs in Summer and demand is forecast to grow at three per cent a year, equivalent to an additional 1500 average homes annually,” said Mr FitzGerald.
The upgrade at Koolkhan in TransGrid's project involves the installation of a new 132/66kV transformer. Additionally, the upgrade includes the installation of new transformer bays, new circuit breakers and the rearrangement of transmission line outlets from the substation.
“The installation of the new transformer at Koolkhan will effectively double the capacity of the substation, meaning that it would be able to supply around an additional 46,000 homes,” said Mr FitzGerald. The project is scheduled for completion in November this year.