Release Date: 21 September 2006
A new substation in Southern River costing $10.6 million will bolster electricity supplies to the region, particularly through the upcoming summer period of peak demand for power.
Work on the 132/22 kV zone substation started in July 2003 and was energised on 19 September 2006.
The new substation will be used to reduce the load carried by the Gosnells and Canning Vale substations and to supply new areas of development.
Western Power’s Managing Director, Doug Aberle, said that the State’s booming economy was significantly increasing the demand for electricity and the demand for new connections.
"The rise in the number of developments has produced an extraordinary amount of growth in the demand for power.
"To meet this growth, Western Power is operating at capacity its training programs for engineers, technicians and tradespeople and is recruiting staff to reinforce its workforce.
"Along with all businesses involved in development in WA, Western Power is experiencing the impact of the boom on labour supplies and on the cost of materials," he said.
The substation will reinforce power supplies to the community and meet future increases in electricity demand.
The construction includes an indoor 22 kV switchboard made up of three transformers, three capacitor banks, twelve feeders and four bus-section circuits.
It is expected that there will be a second transformer installed at the substation by December 2007. A third transformer will be installed in the future if there is continued growth in the demand for electricity in the area.
If you have any questions regarding this media release please email us: media@westernpower.com.au
Page update on 27 September 2006
