New substation is powering up

The $18.8 million Mt Ousley zone substation has been officially opened by Minister for the Illawarra David Campbell.

The substation is designed to improve power reliability for more than 30,000 customers in Wollongong.

“This investment by Integral Energy is part of the Iemma Government’s massive $2.9 billion upgrade of electricity infrastructure in 2007-08,” Mr Campbell said.

“In fact, we are investing a record $6 million a day – or a quarter of a million dollars every hour – on the State’s electricity infrastructure, ensuring a secure power supply.”

Mr Campbell joined Integral Energy Chairman Michael McLeod, acting Chief Executive Officer Daniel Lucas and University of Wollongong Vice Chancellor Gerard Sutton for the unveiling.

Mr Campbell said the $18.8 million substation had been delivered under budget thanks to the hard working Integral Energy staff involved.

“Two major beneficiaries of the new complex will be the University of Wollongong and Wollongong TAFE, which will enjoy a more secure power supply direct from this new zone substation,” Mr Campbell said.

Mr Lucas said the existing substations at Corrimal, North Wollongong and West Wollongong were installed between 30 and 50 years ago.

“They were built at a time when the residential, business and light industrial energy demands were significantly lower than they are today,” Mr Lucas said.

“This new state-of-the-art zone substation will see a more reliable electricity supply for both residents and business including the University and TAFE.”