Gold Coast substations to undergo $6.3m upgrades

substation

More than $6.3 million will be invested by the Queensland Government into important upgrades to Energex’s key infrastructure on the Gold Coast.

Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said work on the Bundall, Labrador and Palm Beach substations would see aging equipment at the end of its service life replaced with modern variants to ensure continued safe and reliable supply to the region.

“The investment, included in the 2018-19 Queensland Budget, will benefit existing customers and as the area experiences continued residential and commercial growth, will be increasingly important,’’ Dr Lynham said.

Dr Lynham said funding for the projects was part of Energy Queensland’s capital expenditure program of $1.461 billion for 2018-19.

“This capital expenditure program forms part of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to providing a safe, secure and highly reliable electricity supply to all Queensland customers that is both cost effective and dependable by continuing a focus on efficiencies, asset management, and network capability,” he said.

“This investment will ensure the network’s ongoing capability in supporting the increasing demand from rapidly expanding communities, residential and business developments as well as changing technology.”

Gold Coast-based Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said development on the Gold Coast had been considerable in the decades since the substations were first built and modernising the infrastructure will be crucial in meeting current and forecasted demand.

“There are some large customers in these regions that perform critical community services and we are committed to providing a reliable supply to these facilities and the communities they serve,” Ms Scanlon said

The substation upgrades anticipate additional network demand on the Gold Coast in the near future and provide a strong management strategy for the increase.

“The three substations have been designed to deliver on Energex’s commitment to produce contemporary modular facilities and to better embed themselves in these communities,” Ms Scanlon said.

The capital program by Energex was part of a comprehensive energy package in the 2018-19 State Budget that also included:

  • $195.5 million for the $340 electricity rebate for eligible seniors, pensioners, veterans and low-income families, including Commonwealth Health Care Card holders and asylum seekers.
  • $100 million for the second $50 payment of the asset ownership dividend on the bills of around 2 million Queensland households in 2019.
  • $20 million for the regional Business Energy Savers Program, which will benefit agricultural customers and large businesses by expanding existing energy audit programs and funding for energy efficiency upgrades.
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