$36 million power boost for Penrith

9 January 2008

 

Work has begun on a $36 million electricity infrastructure project in Penrith to meet future power demands in Sydney’s booming outer west, acting Energy Minister Linda Burney said today.

 

Ms Burney said the upgrade will double the capacity of Integral Energy’s Penrith Transmission Substation in Castlereagh Road.

 

“The NSW Government is investing record amounts in our electricity infrastructure to ensure power supplies keep pace with growth,” Ms Burney said.

 

“This is the largest electricity upgrade project under way in Greater Western Sydney and is a key part of Integral Energy’s network plan.

 

“NSW is experiencing strong growth in electricity usage, which is expected to rise by more than 30 per cent over the next 15 years.

 

“In the Penrith area alone, demand for electricity is forecast to grow by 26 per cent in the next seven years, due to changing energy use patterns and new residential and business developments.

 

“The project has been carefully designed so the new equipment can be installed on the existing transmission substation site, while the substation continues to operate as usual.”

 

Member for Penrith, Karyn Paluzzano, said the project will put in place the infrastructure needed to power future residential and commercial growth in Penrith.

 

“This upgrade will benefit 41,000 families and businesses in Penrith, Kingswood, Emu Plains, Cranebrook, Cambridge Park and Luddenham,” Mrs Paluzzano said.

 

“It will ensure safe and reliable power is delivered to major customers in the area such as Nepean Hospital, Penrith Panthers, Penrith Plaza, the Penrith campus of Western Sydney University and employment lands along Castlereagh Road.”

 

The project will involve replacing the existing outdoor switchyards with indoor switchgear to be accommodated in a new building, installing new power transformers and extensive landscaping.

 

The project is due to be completed by mid 2009.