Endeavour Energy will construct nine kilometres of a new high voltage powerlines to increase the capacity of the local network and improve the security of supply.

Endeavour Energy General Manager Network Services Scott Ryan said Bawley Point experienced “significant peaks in demand” for electricity over the Easter and Christmas holidays. 

“We currently need to operate the local network at peak capacity during these times to meet the extra demand, which increases the risk of supply interruptions to the area,” he said. 

“The upgrade will improve the security of supply to all customers as well as cater for the extra demand for electricity needed for further development at the Willinga Lake Equestrian Centre. 

“Once completed, the upgraded network will give us additional operational flexibility to reduce the number of local customers affected when undertaking future planned maintenance.” 

Mr Ryan said the upgrade was approved following a robust assessment to achieve the best balance of community, environmental, financial and technical considerations. 

“While we are starting work on those parts of the project already approved, in parallel we will complete assessments on some smaller sections, including where we need to under bore part a small section of Murramarang National Park,” he said.

“During construction, we will be working with local residents and businesses to minimise the inconvenience to them. 

“We will notify local residents and businesses along the project route to keep the impact of the upgrade to a minimum.” 

Work on the upgrade will be completed between 7am and 6pm on weekdays, and includes construction activities, some vegetation removal and additional noise and traffic in the area. 

Customers will be advised in writing at least four business days in advance if their electricity supply needs to be interrupted to keep workers safe while constructing the upgrade.

The upgrade is expected to be completed by December 2018.