AAP General News (Australia)
12-20-2004
Qld: Power companies post $6 billion plans
BRISBANE, Dec 20 AAP - Queensland's state-owned electricity distributors Energex and
Ergon Energy have revealed five-year plans to upgrade the state's electricity network
at a total cost of nearly $6 billion.
The plans follow the release in July of a report by independent evaluator Darryl Somerville
who recommended a number of reforms to the network following last summer's storms which
caused long blackouts and a huge public outcry.
Energex distributes power in the south-east corner of the state, while Ergon Energy
covers the remainder.
Energex chief executive Gordon Jardine said Energex needed to upgrade the capability
and resilience of its electricity network.
"As a result, we plan to invest more than $3 billion of capital expenditure over the
next five years to improve our electricity network," he said.
A record $421 million was being invested on capital works this financial year, including
an $85 million accelerated works program, he said.
Since last summer, Energex had increased network capacity by 600 megawatts, or almost
16 per cent above last summer's peak demand.
Ergon Energy executive general manager of distribution Terry Effeney said the corporation
planned to spend $2.9 billion over five years to keep the lights on in Queensland.
Mr Effeney said the blueprint would upgrade the network with a 25 per cent improvement
in reliability over the next five years and the construction of up to five new bulk supply
points and 28 zone substations.
The $2.9 billion program also includes a substantial increase in the state-owned corporation's
workforce.
"We know how important a high standard of electricity supply is to our customers and
we want to support continued economic growth and prosperity in regional Queensland - that's
our commitment now and into the future," he said.
AAP rad/jnb/de
KEYWORD: ENERGEX PLAN NIGHTLEAD
2004 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
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