Transmission works to strengthen Far West NSW's power supply

Specialist crews from Transgrid will replace and upgrade critical transmission equipment at Buronga substation in southwest NSW, which connects the 260km Far West transmission line to the rest of the grid.

Importantly, the power supply to communities in Broken Hill and Far West NSW will not be interrupted while the work is completed. The region’s fully refurbished large-scale back-up generators will provide power from 6pm on Friday, May 22 to 6am on Monday, May 25 while the essential works are carried out as quickly and safely as possible.

“Transgrid’s comprehensive asset management program is essential to ensuring the safe and reliable operation of Far West NSW’s primary power supply,” Transgrid’s Executive General Manager of Delivery Jennifer Hughes said.

“That’s why our specialist crews are replacing and upgrading high-voltage substation equipment at Buronga to ensure ongoing power system reliability and resilience for Far West communities.

“The region’s two large-scale generators are both available to provide back-up power following major refurbishment works.

“This refurbishment program has been very comprehensive, and we are confident in the performance and reliability of the generators, which were successfully used to provide back-up power for the region during planned outages for essential works last year.

“Our teams scheduled the works in May, which is the lowest seasonal power load for Broken Hill and surrounding communities. This will also reduce fuel required for the large-scale back-up generators. Importantly, we have secured adequate diesel for the planned transmission line outage without relying on regional supplies.

“We thank Broken Hill and surrounding communities for their patience and understanding as we complete these essential works.”

The additional back-up generators brought into Broken Hill following the October 2024 severe weather event are also available to provide back-up power if required.

Transgrid is working closely with Essential Energy and Perilya Mine in the delivery of the essential works.

To complete the upgrades at Buronga, a second overnight outage is needed in July. No power supply impact is expected, and the community will be notified once the date is confirmed.

Meanwhile, Transgrid is working closely with the NSW Government on a comprehensive procurement process to identify, develop and deliver an emergency back-up power supply solution that will strengthen energy reliability in the Far West region.

“Procurement activities for this important project are now underway and we look forward to continuing to work with the NSW Government, local communities and industry to deliver a secure and reliable emergency back-up power supply for the Far West,” Ms Hughes said.

For more information, please visit: https://www.transgrid.com.au/projects-innovation/far-west-project/

Transgrid media contact: Mark Nolan 0429 047 136