Aurora Energy Plans $230M Investment In Electricity Infrastructure
Tasmania, Australia — Aurora Energy is planning to invest more than $230M over the next 10 years in developing its distribution system in response to rapid load growth across the State.
Aurora's General Manager Network, Mr John Devereaux, said Aurora's 2006 load forecasting had identified 15 specific areas exceeding load growth of 2.4% per annum, reflecting large commercial site developments, the rapid growth of residential subdivisions and the strong take-up of electrical heating.
In addition, he said there were several areas where recent growth was creating capacity issues which needed to be addressed quickly with a significant investment in new infrastructure.
Growth hot spots include:
- Hobart Eastern Shore including Cambridge, Howrah and Tranmere areas
- Kingston/Margate/Electrona
- Greater Launceston
- Devonport, including Port Sorell and Wesley Vale
- Hobart Western Shore, including Central Hobart and the northern suburbs
- East Coast, in particular St Helens and Triabunna
- Burnie, in particular the CBD, and Penguin, Wynyard; and
- West Coast area, in particular Zeehan.
"Tasmania has been going through a significant period of very welcome economic growth in recent years," Mr Devereaux said. "It is essential that we make this investment in Tasmania's electricity distribution network over the next 10 years to ensure that the increasing demand for electricity is met and future economic growth is not inhibited.
"The rapid change in technology used in businesses and homes and the growth in commercial investment in regional areas of Tasmania, are among the factors we have taken into account in developing our network investment strategy.
"There is a long lead-time in planning and construction for these projects so it is essential that we make a start quickly to ensure we stay ahead of rising demand levels.
"Our submission to the Tasmanian Energy Regulator, which is currently being considered as part of the pricing determination, includes a program of work covering a five year period but our plans also take into account work that needs to be undertaken in a 10-year timeframe.
"We must ensure that the reliability and quality of supply keep pace with community expectations. A safe, reliable electricity supply is absolutely essential to the future of the State."
For further information contact Christine Ward 6237 3341. See below for full details of the planned investment program.
Network Investment Strategy – the projects
Hobart Eastern Shore Upgrade
The largest capacity-related project involves a $60 million Hobart Eastern Shore upgrade. This project includes construction of a new zone substation at Cambridge and another at Howrah, the beginning of work on a further two zone substations near Kangaroo Bay and at Lauderdale, and the conversion of the existing Richmond substation from 22kV to 33kV. Other key components of this development plan include the installation of sub-transmission feeders, the establishment of new feeders and alterations to the existing 11kV feeder network throughout the urban areas.
Hobart Western Shore Upgrade
It is planned to invest $48 million in upgrading the network on Hobart's Western Shore, predominantly in the central and northern suburbs. This work will include the establishment of new feeders from the East Hobart zone substation to supply the Hobart Central Business District and Salamanca areas, the establishment of two zone substations in the Granton and Lenah Valley areas, and the commencement of another zone substation in the Otago Bay area. Reconfiguration, augmentation and alterations to the existing 11kV feeders and the construction of new feeders is proposed in the Lenah Valley, Claremont, Granton and Glenorchy areas.
Kingborough Municipality Upgrade
The Kingborough Municipality, in particular Kingston/Blackmans Bay/ Margate areas, has been recognised as one of the fastest growing residential area within Tasmania.
Aurora plans to invest nearly $62 million in the Kingston/Channel area with the installation of major distribution infrastructure including the establishment of new zone substations and associated sub-transmission feeders near Browns Road, in Blackmans Bay and in the Margate area. In conjunction with this work, new and augmented 11kV distribution feeders from Transend's Kingston terminal substation to Blackmans Bay will relieve the heavy load on the existing feeders presently supplying this fast growing suburb. The plans also consider the commencement of work on a further zone substation in the Mount Nelson area.
Greater Launceston area upgrade
Aurora proposes to invest $35 million in the Greater Launceston area. This program involves continued construction of new feeders from Transend's Hadspen and Mowbray terminal substations. The significant load growth for the greater Launceston area is forecast to continue, requiring the second stage of the Mowbray terminal substation to be implemented before winter 2009, the establishment of the Newstead substation and the commencement of another substation in the South Launceston area.
Burnie and Devonport upgrade
Projects requiring investment of more than $20 million are proposed for the Burnie and Devonport areas including preparation for the proposed establishment of new Transend terminal substations in the Wynyard, Penguin and Wesley Vale areas and commencement of work for the establishment of a zone substation for the Burnie CBD. There are several smaller projects identified in these areas to reconfigure, augment and alter the existing 11kV feeders and establish new feeders where heavily loaded feeders exist now.
East Coast upgrade
Two areas on the East Coast, St Helens and Triabunna, will require a $3 million investment to ensure adequate power supplies to meet load growth and new commercial and residential developments in these centres and surrounding areas. The projects will include augmentation and establishment of a new 22kV feeder.
Southern Midlands/Derwent Valley
Further individual augmentation projects costing about $4 million are proposed in the Derwent Valley, Highlands and the South Midlands to address both load growth requirements and the replacement of ageing assets.
SOURCE: Aurora Energy