Electricity demand increases

Energy Australia has announced a $50 million power supply upgrade near Empire Bay to cater for a 36 per cent increase in demand for power across the area over the next five years.

Major projects general manager Mr Geoff Lilliss said new residential and commercial development in addition to the conversion of traditional holiday homes to more permanent dwellings was driving the increase in energy use.

"Demand for power in this area is double the average growth across our network," Mr Lilliss said.

"This new zone substation will power an estimated 6000 homes and businesses in Empire Bay, Saratoga, Bensville, Davistown, Kincumber South, Killcare Heights, Hardy's Bay and Daley's Point.

"The project will meet the high demand for power in the area and make the electricity supply more reliable for the region."

The upgrade will involve up to 25 kilometres of powerlines connected to a proposed new electricity substation on Empire Bay Dr near Poole Cl as well as connections to the wider electricity network for local homes and businesses.

Mr Lilliss said Energy Australia would work closely with the local community to ensure minimal impact.

"We are writing to about 700 homes in the area to inform them of this project," Mr Lilliss said.

"A Review of Environmental Factors for the project is being prepared to help guide ways of reducing any potential impact on the local area.

"We have also been discussing this project with the immediate neighbours, Gosford

Council and RTA to make sure we get the best possible outcome for the local community.

"We estimate that we may need to remove about 20 trees out of more than 500 trees across the entire site.

"However, any tree removed will be replaced with five more, which means there will be more bushland on the site when we finish our work.

"We will also be holding a community display and have set up a dedicated phone number to make sure the local community can receive any information they need about this project and to provide feedback."

Work on the project is expected to start sometime this year and is planned to be commissioned by mid 2012.

Press release, 12 Mar 2010 Allyn Hamonet, Energy Australia