Queensland Minister for Energy and Water Supply Mark McArdle has commended Energex for their summer severe weather preparation efforts and is encouraging the community to Get Ready for the months ahead.
Over the past six months Energex has spent more than a half a billion dollars preparing the electricity network for heat and extreme weather events by increasing power capacity and other preventative measures.
Projects include the completion of new multi-million dollar substations and upgrades to powerlines and cables particularly in areas affected by January’s flooding and storms.
Mr McArdle said the works were a demonstration of Energex’s and the State Government’s commitment to disaster resilience and part of the Get Ready Queensland program.
“Energex has invested $564 million ensuring the power network and community are ready for the severe weather season,” Mr McArdle said.
“The upgrades have added an additional 310 megavolts of capacity to power network and seen upgraded electricity infrastructure installed in many areas affected by ex-tropical Cyclone Oswald.
“Work has also included chopper, vehicle and foot patrols of the grid by Energex crews to identify and rectify any unforseen network damage that may have occurred over the cooler months.
“I thank the Energex team for their commitment to the community and look forward to their continued investment in South East Queensland.”
