Works to upgrade Ergon Energy Network’s Mossman Substation are well underway, with, with the delivery of a new 132kV transformer to the site.
The upgrade will increase the capacity of the Mossman Substation from 66/22kV to 132/22kV, and comes as part of a $50 million investment from Ergon Energy Network to boost the electricity supply to the Douglas Shire Council area.
This investment, along with the associated works at Yalkula Substation, near Mount Molloy, and at the Craiglie Substation, near Port Douglas, will address both power reliability and safety risks associated with the age of the Mossman Substation and support the growing the demand for electricity in the area.
As part of the substation upgrade, works have also been undertaken across the local 22kV powerline network, as well as on the area’s associated underground communications networks.
Ergon Energy Far North Area Manager, Charlie Casa, said, “Work is well underway on the Mossman Substation, which will benefit generations to come, with a new transformer, control building and other equipment designed to support future growth in the area.
“The Mossman substation supplies more than 3300 homes and businesses, so it’s a key piece of community infrastructure and a cornerstone of development that we’re making a significant investment in.”
The Douglas Shire Network Upgrade also includes the installation of overhead fibre-optic cable on the electricity transmission network, establishing critical communication links between three substations at Mossman, Turkinje and Craiglie. These substations supply more than 30,000 customers.
“This upgrade will help us improve fault response and reduce the impact of unplanned outages on our customers in these areas,” Mr Casa said.
“The Douglas Shire Network Upgrade is a major project with a lot of moving parts, so we’ll be keeping our customers and communities updated with all the details whenever work is locked in.
“Planned outages are sometimes necessary to give crews safe access to the electricity network and to help them to get the job done more efficiently. We’ll always notify affected customers with the details by mail and they can register for free SMS or email outage notifications.”
Ergon Energy said that while Tropical Cyclone Jasper, floods and other severe weather events have impacted the original timeline, the project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.
