A $32 million upgrade of TransGrid's Armidale substation on Waterfall Way is on track for completion this year, to stabilise supply and assist in delivering to NSW's energy network.
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Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall toured the substation on Thursday where new 330kV capacitor banks are being installed as part of the Queensland-NSW Interconnector (QNI) project.
"The NSW and Commonwealth Governments have jointly underwritten this major power infrastructure redevelopment to the tune of $102 million, as they work to ensure the security of electricity in NSW," Mr Marshall said.
"Upgrading the Queensland-NSW Interconnector (QNI) has been identified as a priority project that will boost interstate transmission capacity and increase power flow on existing lines.
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"This will make it easier and more efficient to share power generation across the National Energy Market, which will help put downward pressure on customer bills.
"It will also enhance network reliability ahead of the forecast closure of Liddell power station in 2023.
"The work that has taken place on the Armidale substation, along with the addition of two capacity banks at the Dumaresq substation, is vital to providing businesses and residents long-term confidence that when they flick the switch power flows."
Work on QNI has involved upgrades to substations and transmission lines. Upgrade and replacement of transmission towers with twin pole structures has recently been completed along existing transmission lines.
Mr Marshall said the TransGrid project has provided a boost to Armidale's economy during a difficult time.
"The TransGrid QNI project has provided jobs and opportunities for local business owners since the upgrade started in June 2020," he said.
"This has included local crane operators, accommodation providers, fencing, tree services, hygiene, safety, electrical and concrete companies.
"There have been about 70 people working at the Armidale site during the recent civil construction works and this has had a flow-on affect to local businesses like restaurants and accommodation."
Energisation of the new works at Armidale substation is scheduled for August, with Dumaresq scheduled for September, as part of the plan for the QNI project to be completed by the end of this year.
The QNI project has created 155 direct and 360 indirect jobs for the region during construction.
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