$16 million Fairfield substation upgrade powers ahead

 

11 April 2008

 

Construction is expected to commence next week on a $16 million project to boost power supplies to 5,500 homes and businesses in the Fairfield area, Energy Minister Ian Macdonald said today.

 

Mr Macdonald said Integral Energy’s investment in vital infrastructure will ensure the Fairfield community receives a safe and reliable power supply for decades to come.

 

“The Iemma Government is investing record amounts in our energy infrastructure to ensure the network keeps pace with growth and meets the community’s energy needs,” the Minister said.

 

“Integral Energy is investing around $1 million a day in its network, and the upgrade of its Fairfield zone substation is the latest project in Sydney's west to get under way.

 

“The government will continue to invest in the state’s electricity distribution network, which will remain in public ownership.

 

“The government’s plans to seek new private investment to secure future energy supplies will not impact on our ongoing responsibility for the maintenance and upgrading of the state’s electricity network.

 

“As part of our plans, the Iemma Government is also helping the environment by reinvesting in green energy research and finding smarter ways to use less power.”

 

The Fairfield facility on the corner of Hedges and Loscoe streets, has been operating in its present form since 1956, so the equipment needs to be replaced with new technology.

 

“The substation supplies power to 4,500 households and around 1,000 businesses and government organisations in Fairfield, Fairfield Heights and parts of Smithfield, Guildford West and Yennora, including Yennora’s growing industrial area,” Mr Macdonald said.

 

“The project involves constructing a new control building, replacing power transformers, relocating some of the existing overhead wires to underground cable feeders and installing modern security fencing.”

 

Meanwhile Integral Energy is also completing a $9 million upgrade of Bonnyrigg’s zone substation, reinforcing power supplies to 18,000 homes and businesses.

 

At nearby West Wetherill Park, Integral Energy is in the final construction stages of a $26.5 million combined transmission and zone substation, due to be commissioned before the end of the year.

 

The Fairfield refurbishment is expected to be completed in late 2009. Anyone with any questions about the project can phone Integral Energy on 9853 6550.