Australian Power & Energy News Vol19 No98 February/March 2015

VOL. 19 NO. 98 - February/March 2015 Print Post No. PP100000928 All enquiries phone: +61 7 5478 9432 Email Enquiries: apen@worldpacifi c.com.au

Circulated to key personnel within all Power Utilities and Power Generators throughout Australia and New Zealand each issue

Please see our editorial and advertisement

on pages 8 and 9Please see our editorial and

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Kurnell South Zone Substation Energised

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Page 2 - Australian Power & Energy News

Publisher:AUSTRALIAN POWER INDUSTRY NEWS PTY LTD

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Telephone: (07) 5478 9432 • Facsimile: (07) 5445 9431

Email: apen@worldpacifi c.com.auWeb: www.amrcn.com.au (Click on ‘Other Publications’)

Published Bi-Monthly - Circulated to key personnel within all Power Utilities and Power Generators throughout Australia

and New Zealand

Circulated to all key personnel within the Australian Port Authorities and

Associated Port Industries throughout Australia and New Zealand

POWER and Water Corporation aced the 2014 Engineering

Excellence Awards twice with wins for the Ludmilla Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade and for future proofi ng Katherine’s power infrastructure.

“The Engineering Excellence Awards are highly prestigious and competitive so being named overall winner for the Ludmilla Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade is a great feather in the cap of our Water Services engineers and our project partners Hunter Water Australia,” General Manager Water Services, Neil Rickard said.

“The Ludmilla Wastewater Treatment Plant services 57 000 residents of the inner suburbs in Darwin and is a key wastewater treatment facility for Power and Water and a key component of the Larrakeyah Outfall Closure Plan.

“The Ludmilla Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade was completed in 2013 and was the largest sewerage project ever undertaken by Power and Water Corporation.

“The plant remained fully operational for the duration of the construction period and endured the signifi cant challenges that working through the wet season can bring.

Above: Power and Water’s Skefos Tsoukalis (foreground) and Michael Collins from Hunter Water Australia

Power and Water aces Engineering

Awards“The project has vastly improved treatment

performance and environmental outcomes while boosting dry weather, and more signifi cantly, wet weather performance,” Mr Rickard said.

Future proofi ng Katherine’s power infrastructure is an important part of Power and Water’s commitment to improving reliability and security of the network, General Manager Power Networks, John Greenwood said.

“Winning the People’s Choice Award is a great honour for Power and Water and our project partner Aurecon.

“The Katherine Power Station provides vital power supply to that region and reliable power supply is clearly a necessity for quality of life in what is a growing area,” Mr Greenwood said.

“The $14m upgrade was a complex project addressing many issues facing the supply system. That system is now more robust due to the installation of new and additional equipment.

“The four year asset replacement and renewal program was achieved around a fully operational power station that remained online and available throughout the project,” Mr Greenwood said.

The Katherine Power Station is now an asset of Territory Generation following the structural separation of the Power and Water Corporation, which came into effect on 1 July 2014.

NATIONAL infrastructure service provider Zinfra Group announces

Cameron Evans as its new General Manager, Strategy and Market Development Group.

Cameron has a wealth of experience across the infrastructure services industry in the utilities, transport, and water sectors. He has worked in a number of senior roles including Executive Manager Strategy and Development Transfi eld Services, and his role prior to joining Zinfra Group was as General Manager Roads and Water Infrastructure, Australian and New Zealand Transfi eld Services.

Previous to roles at Transfi eld Services, Cameron worked with organisations including Veolia and MWH in roles covering large scale project development and delivery throughout Australia and the UK.

“I’m thrilled to join Zinfra Group to fully establish and manage the new Strategy and Market Development Group. I’m looking forward to cementing our position in the market and building on our existing client base, developing new client relationships, and leveraging our strong capability and vast knowledge and experience in the market place.”

According to Managing Director Steven MacDonald, “Cameron is a critical addition to our team and will play a key role in achieving our business growth objectives. Over the next two to three years we will be focused on expanding into new regions and markets, and pursuing bigger and more complex opportunities in the

Cameron Evans announced as new General Manager,

Strategy and Market Development for

infrastructure service provider Zinfra Group

market place. Cameron and his team will be essential to driving this strategy.”

Zinfra Group was launched in 2012 and delivers engineering, maintenance and construction services to the utility infrastructure sectors. The Zinfra brand delivers construction services in the utility infrastructure market, and ZNX delivers operations and maintenance services to utility network assets.

Above: Cameron Evans, General Manager, Strategy and Market Development Group

After months of self-assessments, independent audits and reports during the accreditation stages early in 2014, AusNet Services is now employing the ‘best practice’ approach to managing the lifecycle of assets.

Alistair Parker, AusNet Services General Manager – Asset Management, said that achieving the accreditation has acknowledged the company’s ability to provide a safe and reliable energy supply to our many customers.

“AusNet Services strives for continual improvement on the value our $11 billion of assets provide for our customers and the techniques our employees use to manage those assets,” Mr Parker said.

“We’re committed to providing a safe and reliable supply of electricity and gas to 1.3 million homes and businesses that directly rely on our assets, along with the whole of Victoria served by our high-voltage electricity transmission network.

“We see signifi cant value in achieving the ISO 55001 accreditation of our asset management practices as it gives us the latest framework and tools to economically reduce risks and improve service quality for customers,” he said.

Prior to receiving the ISO 55001 accreditation, AusNet Services – then trading as SP AusNet – was the fi rst Australian infrastructure business to achieve PAS 55 accreditation of its transmission network asset management practices in 2008 and its gas and electricity distribution practices in 2011.

Select Solutions, a division of AusNet Services, can provide specialised services – including customised asset management programs, asset inspections and condition monitoring services – to ISO 55001 levels for AusNet Services and other infrastructure owners across Australia.

For more information refer to www.select-solutions.com.au or call

(03) 8480 2555.

AusNet Services fi rst to achieve ISO 55001

accreditation

AusNet Services has become the fi rst Australian infrastructure business to achieve International Standards Organisation

(ISO) 55001 accreditation for the asset management practices employed on its electricity transmission, gas distribution and electricity distribution networks.

As the year kicks off, let’s be clear: to truly compete, renewable energy will have to become fully price competitive and substitutable with fossil fuels much faster. In other words, if renewables can turn out electricity at a few cents a kilowatt hour, solar panels can capture energy at night, and storage solutions can compete with gasoline in terms of energy density and ability to release energy, then we are talking.

Major advances in science are key to achieve this. We will need inventors and human ingenuity to come up with the next generation of solutions and bring the remarkable advances in fi elds such as materials sciences and nanotechnology, information technology, engineering, and other natural sciences to bear on the problem much faster, shortening the innovation cycle. Australia’s fi ne scientifi c

Dr Maximilian Martin

Maximilian Martin, Ph.D. is the founder and global managing director of Impact Economy, an impact investment and strategy fi rm based in Lausanne, Switzerland, and leads the Exergeia Project.

AUSTRALIA is the world’s ninth-largest energy producer, and seventeenth-largest consumer of non-renewables. Ninety-six per cent of the country’s total energy consumption is dependent on fossil fuels, leaving a mere four per cent on renewables. This state of affairs should be seen as an invitation to become much more

ambitious. A fully developed renewables sector can contribute greatly to the Australian economy. And a closed-loop global economy, powered mainly by renewable energy, is the best long-run bet to sustain a projected population of over nine billion people, as is widely recognized. 2015 will be an interesting year with the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21), to be held in Paris, seeking a legally binding, universal agreement on climate. If we do not step it up, real progress beyond calls for action will be a challenge though. This is not just because of current geopolitical tensions that could torpedo joint action. In a world awash in cheap oil and gas, we are also still missing the magic recipe for a fully competitive renewables sector. The key question is, how can we get to breakthrough solutions, and deploy them at scale?

infrastructure paired with people’s can-do entrepreneurial spirit could make a signifi cant contribution here.

To accelerate the process and help to push the boundaries of usable energy solutions, we have created the Exergeia Project. We back potentially ground-breaking inventions and innovations in all fi elds of alternative energy, including unconventional approaches—including energy effi ciency, generation, storage, transmission, and distribution.

It is now time to come up with the breakthroughs that can make the energy transition real. If you work on something that has the potential to be the next steam engine or Internet, it is time to step forward, and help bring the 100 percent renewable energy economy into view.

The Time Is Now: Step Forward to Make This Energy Transition Real!

The South Australia – Victoria Interconnector Upgrade project has been jointly developed by ElectraNet, the owner and manager of South Australia’s electricity transmission network, and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). The project involves the installation of a third electricity transformer at the Heywood substation in Victoria and the installation of what is known as series compensation at a new site at Black Range in South Australia. Other asset upgrading works will also be undertaken on the 275 kV transmission lines from the Tailem Bend to South East substations in South Australia and other substations in the South-East.

‘The largest component of the upgrade works in South Australia is the creation of a new series compensation site at Black Range, which will make it possible to get more capacity out of the existing 275 kV transmission lines. This

development will represent the fi rst time series compensation has been used within the South Australian transmission network,’ said Rainer Korte, ElectraNet’s Executive Manager Asset Management.

Black Range is approximately 35 kilometres south of Keith, near the town of Willalooka and is half way along the 275 kV transmission line which services the region and connects the South Australian transmission network with Victoria. The series compensation equipment to be installed at Black Range has the effect of reducing the “electrical distance” of the transmission line and increasing its capacity to transport power.

“The upgrade is designed to increase interconnector capacity in both directions by approximately 40 per cent, and will deliver substantial future benefi ts to electricity consumers by allowing increased wind energy

exports from South Australia, and increased imports of lower-cost generation into South Australia, particularly at times of peak demand,” Mr Korte added.

Detailed cost-benefi t assessment found that the increase in capacity will deliver net market benefi ts of more than $190 million by signifi cantly reducing generation dispatch costs over the longer term. These reduced costs should ultimately be passed to consumers through reduced wholesale electricity costs. The planned commissioning date for the upgrade is July 2016. The total capital cost of the upgrade is estimated at $91 million, with $46 million investment in South Australia and $45 million in Victoria. It is anticipated that construction and commissioning activities at the Black Range site will be completed in approximately 14 months.

Community invited to learn more about new South Australia to Victoria Interconnector installation at Black Range

ElectraNet invited members of the community to learn more about a new electrical installation to be constructed at Black Range as an important part of the South Australia to Victoria Interconnector Upgrade project, at a drop-in day held at the Willalooka Tavern on Friday, 26 September 2014. Members of the community were

able to drop-in to see what is proposed for the site, ask questions and provide feedback to help ElectraNet plan the lowest-impact construction for the site.

Australian Power & Energy News - Page 3

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Since the company commenced operation in 1998, by the end the year they will have conducted over one million kilometres of power line and pipeline patrols and Managing Director, Galen Gunn has a right to be proud of his company and his industry as he says;

“This ‘million milestone’ is not only a huge achievement for HAWCS but demonstrates the commitment of Australian utilities to provide a safe and reliable power supply.”

But it hasn’t just been HAWCS aerial inspections that have been on the move during that long journey. In combination with the power sector, technology has come a long way since that fi rst step was taken and HAWCS has played a major role. As Galen Gunn states, working with utilities has motivated his company to provide better solutions and one of the most exciting aspects has been the opportunity to apply HAWCS’ innovation to advance the benefi ts of such patrols.

Along the way HAWCS has added an extra dimension to data collection with the introduction of detailed asset condition reports using geo-referenced imagery and LiDAR. These techniques have now been adopted as an industry standard in asset protection and maintenance.

As Mr Gunn says, “Over the last 16 years the aerial inspection of overhead assets has taken a massive leap forward in terms of the data that is now being collected. Australian distribution networks that use HAWCS are leading the way.

“They are currently gathering the most advanced data set seen anywhere in the world. Distribution networks are using the latest analytical tools to establish an accurate refl ection of the condition of their networks. We are extremely proud to have been part of that voyage of discovery. We have evolved due to our own experience along the way and applied what we have learnt to produce far more accurate data collection solutions.”

In 2015 HAWCS will add to its impressive list of blue chip clients having been selected as the successful contractor to work with companies such as Ausgrid, Essential Energy, Energex, Actew AGL and TasNetworks. Its role will be to supply reports which include vegetation defects and conductor clearances, thermal ratings, defect reporting and condition ratings.

LiDAR - HAWCSCAN

Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) has transformed the way utilities see their network.

HAWCS is the most experienced provider of LiDAR data to the Australian electricity

industry. From conducting the fi rst power line construction LiDAR survey in the country to delivering more than 43,000 line kilometres of data capture, processing and reporting in 2014 alone. HAWCS is at the forefront of this industry -wide technological breakthrough.

The utility benefi ts using LiDAR technology

There are a range of benefi ts;

• Accurate vegetation analysis customized to the Utility’s guidelines

• Pre-modelling to determine ground, road and water conductor clearances

• Accurate positioning of all assets in the network GIS

• LiDAR and detailed patrols on all voltages from transmission, sub-transmission, HV, LV service wires and private mains.

• Thermal ratings with PLS CADD determining maximum sag on conductors.

HAWCS operates a 500 khz scanner from their helicopter platform which delivers superior point density of 40 to 80 points per square metre fl ying at optimum patrol speed. The accuracy of each and every point is two centimetres relative to 5 centimetres absolute.

With the wealth of experience gained through more than 15 years experience, HAWCS’ systems have continued to evolve. Moving through the complexities of data acquisition across all voltages; each requiring different methodologies, to data delivery and storage. In-house innovation has also assisted HAWCS’ clients to manage vast data sets through their web-based asset management portal.

HAWCS have also improved their advanced algorithms to enhance vegetation encroachment reporting, accurately identifying a wider degree of vegetation issues such as tree fall-ins, regrowth, ground diameters and stem counts. This automated process also reduces data processing turn-around times.

Defect Identifi cation - HAWCEYE

HAWCS uses detailed asset inspection techniques to achieve accuracy in both defect identifi cation and location. High resolution imagery is taken of all assets and then inspected post fl ight by experienced linesmen.

At this resolution, 99% of defects are accurately detected and the position of the defect is referenced to the Utility’s Pole ID. All defects are coded according to the Utility’s guidelines and then reported through excel spreadsheets for seamless integration into the utility’s existing GIS systems. PDF reports are

also generated to give asset managers an overall perspective of the condition of each feeder and maintenance area.

Any urgent defects detected by experienced HAWCS’ observers, on the ground or in the air, are reported immediately from the fi eld.

Safety fi rst, fast and quiet

Utilities also require their inspection to be safe, fast and quiet. HAWCS operates their helicopters from above 300 to 1000 feet by utilising intelligent technology. The greater the fl ight height, the safer the operation. Flying higher also results in less disruption to customers allowing more of the network to be inspected effi ciently from the air.

HAWCS was the fi rst to conduct urban patrols over cities and townships from 1000 feet. HAWCS owns and operates their fl eet of helicopters which have the lowest noise signature of their class in the world, greatly improving environmental impacts on customers and livestock.

Fault detection and effi cient rectifi cation

In providing networks with a complete solution to their aerial asset inspection and maintenance programs, HAWCS has introduced another fi rst to the industry.

Advancements in technology have lead to increased fault detection rates which presents a new challenge to Network owners and operators. How to rapidly and effi ciently manage the rectifi cation of faults before storm or bush fi re season?

Managing Director of HAWCS Galen Gunn set out to close the circle from collection, detection right through to rectifi cation. It’s called HELM.

“The prime objective when we set out on HELM was safety. As a result we have achieved dual redundancy in all components of the system creating an incredibly stable platform with access to all parts of the asset regardless of environmental obstacles.”

Working together - HAWCS and HELM

HAWCS fi nds it. HELM fi xes it. HELM - Helicopter Elevated Line Maintenance is, as its name suggests; an elevated work platform from

One Million Kilometres is a Big Leap into the Future

THERE’s no doubting HAWCS’ dedication or its track record in power line and pipeline patrols. Australia’s leading aerial power line inspection specialist is set

to achieve a spectacular milestone this year and we can be excused for using such a term in the absence of a similar metric phrase. This has been an incredible journey for the company and it really is a signifi cant achievement in more ways than one.

which many defects can be rectifi ed rapidly, safely and cost effectively.

• Replacement of cross-arms, tie wires, insulators, pole caps

• Installation of ball markers, bird diverters, vibration dampers, armour rods, conductor rollers

• Attachment of anti-split hardware

• Rectifi cation of broken strands on conductors

• Pole replacement

• Conductor splicing

All can be achieved regardless of ground conditions, terrain, vegetation or environmental sensitivity and without land owner access issues, weeds, gates and roads.

The methodology HELM uses to achieve this is not new. It is common practice in the US and Europe and is now exclusively available in Australia by HAWCS. HAWCS is currently offering workshops and demonstrations of the HELM system.

HAWCS is unique in this industry as Mr Gunn confi rms. “HAWCS is the only Australian owned service provider in the industry that actually owns and operates its aircraft, LiDAR and camera systems and manages all data from acquisition to fi nal delivery.

“This means we maintain our own aircraft, talk to our engineers, train our pilots and observers to this specifi c task and work with our processing teams everyday right here in Australia.”

Now that’s dedication. For more information contact Galen Gunn

on 0427 608 068. Or visit; www.hawcs.com.au



Australian owned and operated.

HAWCSNetworkConfidence

Galen GunnDirector of HAWCSMobile: 0427 608 068

[email protected] P: (07) 5432 3700 3/25 Lear Jet Drivewww.hawcs.com.au F: (07) 5496 3599 Caboolture QLD 4510

HAWCEYE

n Detailed aerial asset inspection and reporting

n Visual aerial patrols

n High resolution imagery linked to excel spreadsheets and PDF defect reports

HAWCSCAN LiDAR

n Vegetation Reports

n Ground and Water Conductor Clearances

n Network Asset GIS Correction

n CADD Modeling

HELM HELICOPTER

n Conductor stringing and maintenance

n A new EWP for the industry

ActewAGL General Manager Network Services Robert Atkin said, “The helicopter patrol is a signifi cant part of our overall network maintenance program and bushfi re mitigation strategy. Trees and vegetation growing too close to powerlines can cause blackouts and create safety hazards such as grass fi res and bushfi res. Trees and vegetation can also restrict access, preventing essential maintenance from being carried out.”

The patrol will inspect for vegetation encroaching on powerlines and will fl y at approximately 350 - 500 feet (approx. 110 – 150 metres) in rural areas and above 1000

Above: Conducting helicopter patrols across the ACT

ActewAGL conducting helicopter patrols as part of its network

maintenance program

ActewAGL are carrying out helicopter inspections of overhead powerlines across parts of Canberra. The patrols are an essential part of our vegetation

management and asset management program.

feet (approx. 310 metres) in urban areas with minimal hovering.

The helicopter uses Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) remote sensing technology to determine the distance between powerlines and vegetation. Vegetation deemed too close to powerlines are prioritised for cutting by ActewAGL’s authorised service providers in rural areas, or notifi cations are sent to customers or ACT Government depending on where trees are located in suburban areas.

The helicopter also takes high resolution pole top images in high bushfi re prone (rural) areas to assess the pole top condition and prioritise our preventative maintenance regimes.

POWERCOR is conducting a state-of-the-art helicopter survey across

central and western Victoria to ensure potential bushfi re risks including the possibility of power outages caused by vegetation touching power lines are addressed for the summer.

The program will take place over six weeks on rural powerlines around the Mallee, Northern Country, and Wimmera regions before moving into other areas including Ballarat, Bendigo, Macedon Ranges, the outer Western Suburbs, and Southwest Victoria.

This Light Detection and Ranging Measurement (LiDAR) survey involves the use of a laser measuring unit mounted on a helicopter to measure the distances between the ground, power lines and surrounding vegetation. The unit determines how close vegetation is growing near powerlines.

The technology works on the basis that the speed of light is a known quantity. Therefore the time it takes for light to refl ect from the helicopter to the ground and back again can be measured to determine the distance between surrounding objects such as vegetation and powerlines.

Powercor places critical importance on ensuring suffi cient vegetation clearances are maintained near powerlines to keep the community and its electricity network bushfi re safe. LiDAR technology is being used to enhance Powercor’s routine ground based clearance checks by covering large areas in rapid time.

Powercor Regional Business Manager Ian Gillingham said LiDAR technology has been

used in broad acre surveying for several years - but new applications including this survey, have developed as experience in using the technology and its availability increases.

“Powercor’s LiDAR survey will carry out surveying works from an altitude of around 250 metres (800 feet) which is signifi cantly higher than in previous years and, for the fi rst time, utilising a NOTAR-type helicopter or ‘no tail rotor’ allowing for a much quieter operation,” Mr Gillingham said.

“This increased distance provides signifi cant safety benefi ts and reduces noise. The laser pulse emitted by the LiDAR unit uses an infrared light, which is not visible to the human eye and is used in many modern applications such as TV remote controls and speed cameras.

“Overall, these helicopter inspections of power lines will travel more than 9000 kilometres across central and western Victoria – a distance comparable to fl ying from Victoria to Hawaii.

“Data from each fl ight is extensively analysed and any areas found to fall outside of the required specifi cations will be recorded and followed up for action,” he said.

Mr Gillingham said Powercor would also continue a program of annual powerline condition observations involving more than 40 employees from all levels across the business, including the CEO, in the lead up to and during the fi re danger season.

These inspections are part of an extensive, year long program to identity and rectify potential bushfi re risks and include general maintenance and vegetation clearances activities.

Powercor to run helicopter surveys throughout Western and

Central Victoria

TransGrid has conducted aerial inspections of over 12,900 kilometres of transmission lines by helicopter to identify and address issues prior to the heavy load and bushfi re season over summer.

Inspections were performed by an experienced pilot and specially trained TransGrid Easement Offi cer and a Mains Offi cer who act as monitors

information about air space controls, restricted zones and identifi able land marks.

The inspections make up part of TransGrid’s transmission line maintenance program. Under this program additional inspections of transmission lines including seasonal ground inspections and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) inspections are undertaken based on vegetation growth patterns throughout the year. These inspections enable TransGrid to ensure the safe and reliable supply of electricity in New South Wales and the safety of the community and environment.

TransGrid’s annual aerial inspections

within the helicopter. During the inspection, the Easement Offi cer takes note of any vegetation encroachments along the transmission line easements and whether the vegetation is slow or fast growing.

If encroachments are identifi ed as needing immediate attention, information on the location and images of the vegetation is sent back to ground maintenance staff. Staff then return to the identifi ed location to conduct a

thorough inspection and undertake work such as vegetation control within the easement, as required.

The role of the Mains Offi cer during the aerial inspection is to focus on transmission line infrastructure and make note of any damage caused by weather, human or mechanical interactions.

Staff who conducted the inspections were guided by a specialised GPS system with TransGrid structure locations programed as waypoints. Staff and the pilot were also guided by on-board equipment such as electronic Visual Terminal Charts (VTC), which provides

Above: TransGrid’s aerial patrol


Bushfires and Power PolesBushfi res and Power Poles

35 Buckley Grove, Moolap, Victoria 3221P: +61 3 5248 1661 • F: +61 3 5248 6721 • www.dulhuntypoles.com

Dulhunty Poles’ TITAN Power Poles have many advantages other than just being totally unburnable and bushfi re proof. Although a bit more expensive to manufacture they are:-

1 Just one third the weight of an equivalent strength steel reinforced concrete pole and half the weight of an equivalent hardwood pole. This means the cost to transport, store, fi t out and erect is so much less that it saves more dollars than the extra cost to manufacture.

2 Add to this is the fact that they are hollow. Down lead connections and earthing can all be accommodated internally

3 They are totally termite, funghi and teredo proof.

4 Non-corrosive in polluted air orsalty soils

5 Unlike reinforced concrete and steel poles TITAN poles are non-conductive making them a viable replacement option for wood poles.

6 Contain an RFID which records the history of manufacture and details of every inspection.

7 Standard attachments can be bolted on with drilled holes like a wood pole or with bands like a concrete pole.

8 Environmentally attractive, saves our forests (every wood pole was once a tree – every powerline a forest!) Lowest Carbon footprint (Ipernica report).

9 Whole of Life Cost is the lowest – at the end of its service life it can becut into fence posts or just groundup into useable gravel.

Each utility may put a different dollar value on these advantages but in all cases the savings to be made will be far in excess of any additional initial cost!

Above: Pole erected by Endeavour Energy in Kangaroo Valley, near Nowra, NSW Above: A pole erected by Ausgrid at the Hawkesbury River

DO you want to eliminate pole top fi res?

Eliminate bushfi re damage to or by your power line?

Obtain better coverage from Insurance underwriters?

And at the same time have a totally non-conductive, lightweight, high

strength power pole with a “whole of life” cost less than all others?

The Dulhunty Poles Pty Ltd ‘TITAN’ Pole gives you all this, and more.• It’s hollow so downleads and

earthing can be run internally• It has an electronic RFID embedded

which records its history and every time an inspection is made

• Termites and fungi won’t go near it

• It won’t rust or corrode• Standard wood pole hardware can

be attached• It is totally unburnable and bushfi re

proof. Fully tested to ENA Bushfi re Test Protocol (Western Fire Centre) – performance excellent

• This pole is the most up to date technical advance from the people who have been in the power pole industry for the longest time (over 65 years)For more information contact

Dulhunty Poles: Phone (03) 5248 1661Web: www.dulhuntypoles.com

Bushfi res and Power Poles


National Sales T: 1800 769 370 E: [email protected] W: legendpower.com.au

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Smart phone website screen shots

Visit www.legendpower.com.au for more information.

HAND TOOLS

HEATSHRINK

Line Drawing

Fault Current Rating of Lugs & Links

Crimping Fine Stranded Cables

Specialist Capabilities

NATA Accreditation

Jointing Compounds

Cross Reference Charts

Compaction Ratios

Video Training

Brochures & Images

Features & Benefits


Australia T: (+61) 1800 769 370 New Zealand T: (+64) 8 0077 6969

Anytime! Anywhere!Key Technical Product Information At Your Fingertips

Australia New Zealand

Line Drawing

Fault Current Rating of Lugs & Links

Crimping Fine Stranded Cables

Specialist Capabilities

NATA Accreditation

Jointing Compounds

Cross Reference Charts

Compaction Ratios

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RIBE – Leading International Manufacturer of Electrical Fittings

RIBE is a highly respected family Company with 100 years of experience and the technical expertise to promote the development, design and manufacture of complex innovative products.

RIBE has an extensive range of products for HV Overhead Transmission, Insulator String Accessories, Power Arc Protection, Helical Fittings, Optical Cable Fittings (Optofi t) (OPGW and ADSS) and Catenary Railway Fittings.

FULTON INDUSTRIES AUSTRALIA has over 30 years of manufacturing and sales experience in the electrical industry. Now, adding to its own range of products are two well

respected European Brands: RIBE from Germany and SOFAMEL from Spain.

SOFAMEL range of Safety and Protection include an extensive range of Earthing Sets, which can be confi gured customers’ requirements. These Earthing Sets are designed to suit both Overhead Lines and Substation Earths. A range of Fibreglass Operating Sticks are available in Fixed Lengths or Telescopic, up to 11.8 Metres long and working voltage up to 380kV, tested to IEC60855 Standards.

Fulton Industries Australia has been appointed Exclusive Agents in Australia to represent RIBE Germany for HV Transmission Fittings.

RIBE have been involved in numerous large River Crossing Projects in Europe including

the BOSPHORUS CROSSING, where they designed and developed special

HELICAL Deadends and accessories.

RIBE’s range also includes their unique HV Transmission Wedge Type Deadend not commonly seen in Australia however used extensively throughout Europe.

SOFAMEL S.A. is a Spanish Company dedicated to the production of Electrical Connectors, Safety and Electrical Protection. Fulton Industries is proud to be appointed the Australian Distributor for Safety and Protection Equipment.

SOFAMEL has a range of Electrical Gloves including Dielectric (0.5 – 36kV), Composite (1-36kV) and Leather Over gloves for mechanical protection. A pneumatic gauge is available to test gloves for any holes not visible to the naked eye.

FULTON INDUSTRIES AUSTRALIA PTY LTD now accredited with an Integrated Management system; Quality - ISO9001, Environment - ISO14001 and OH&S - AS4801

Management and Staff at Fulton Industries are already seeing the benefi ts of a complete Integrated Management System in practise.


MAJOR Power Networks’ upgrades are underway in Tennant Creek

with the ground work laid in preparation for the delivery of a brand new 22kV indoor switchroom, General Manager Power Networks John Greenwood said.

“This important project is part of Power and Water’s ongoing commitment to improving the security and reliability of the electricity network in regional areas,” Mr Greenwood said.

“The new indoor switchroom will house safer and more reliable 22kV switchgear replacing the aged outdoor 22kV switchyard.

“Having an indoor switchroom means that the equipment is protected from dust, weather conditions and bird strikes, which are particular issues in Tennant Creek.

“The switchroom is being constructed by specialist contractors offsite and will be

Major Power Networks’ upgrade underway for Tennant Creek

Following three years of research and development, the all new TL17M takes the legendary TF series to new heights in safety, durability and performance. Before commencing the design process for the new EWP, Redmond Gary Australia engineers conducted extensive consultations with users, electrical authorities, contractors and service providers. Their design aim was primarily twofold; to meet the rigorous on-the-job demands required by the variety of potential users and to make the new TL17M simply a better and smarter EWP.

Following what was a huge fi nancial investment in both research and development, the result is remarkable. The new EWP not only incorporates a range of new technologies but features a new composite material called Dura-Comp 40 which represents a huge leap forward in design technology. In simple terms the new and advanced composite provides:• High strength to weight ratio• Very high dielectric strength• Fire retardant.

It’s smart thinking on Redmond Gary Australia’s part because by using Dura-Comp 40 to manufacture the new TL17M, it has enabled the company to not only increase the WLL to 400kg but to make stronger slimline booms and manufacture a basket with glove and barrier insulation rating without the need for a separate basket liner. This means that the total 400kg WLL is available for operators and their tools.

Dura-Comp 40 is also fi eld repairable. It’s considerably stronger than most fi bre reinforced plastics (FRP) and considerably tougher. In the event that the gel coat or painted fi nish is

chipped, there is no requirement for immediate repair. Surface damage will not compromise the insulation system.

There are numerous design changes made to enhance the EWP operation giving superior access when working in tight situations around poles and cross arms. The TL17M also has other user benefi ts with additional emphasis placed on ensuring the ease of maintenance. It provides a practical user-friendly, operator approach to maintaining 24/7 effi ciency and in meeting normal servicing requirements. One example of this is the fl y jib is sealed and will never require internal cleaning for the life of the EWP.

The TL17M features CANbus control which incorporates full system diagnostics for the EWP and radio controls. All safety systems are IP67.

The structural components manufactured from Dura-Comp 40, including fl y boom, basket and basket mount bracket were assembled and subject to a rigorous testing programme. The tests covered whole of life fatigue, full load test loading the basket to 600kg and simulating the equivalent of 25 years use.

After the fatigue analysis test was completed, the unit was subjected to destructive testing. The TL17M came through with fl ying colours, passing well above the requirement of AS1418.10 (2011). All tests were performed under the watchful eyes of Griffi th University personnel.

It certainly suggests that with the TL17M now available, a new EWP legend has been born.

New Redmond Gary EWP looks set for Legendary Status

AS far as elevated work platforms go, Redmond Gary Australia’s TF17M had already established an unsurpassed reputation for safety, performance and

quality but this well-established manufacturer of EWP’s for the electricity and telecommunications sectors has never been a company to rest on its laurels.

ElectraNet has identifi ed a preferred alignment for the future

transmission line upgrade between Cultana and Yadnarie. The preferred route runs almost parallel to the existing transmission line, along its north-western side. It is anticipated that statutory approval for the northern section will be sought in 2015.

The route was identifi ed by evaluating the information gathered through desk-top research, technical fi eld studies, direct engagement with landowners and the Eyre Peninsula community, as well as extensive ground-truthing – where fi eld data is measured for comparison and verifi cation against aerial and satellite data. This process also included a geo-spatial multi-criteria analysis, which assessed various alignment options to identify the route that best balances environmental, cultural, social, land use, engineering and cost criteria.

Northern section route alignment identifi ed for transmission line upgrade on Eyre Peninsula

ElectraNet is in the process of engaging with landowners along this section to discuss the route and options for acquiring a new easement.

“While the route alignment has been identifi ed for the northern section, further work is required to identify the preferred alignment for the southern section between Yadnarie and Port Lincoln,” said Mr Phil Court-Kowalski, ElectraNet’s Executive Manager Network Services.

“ElectraNet will continue these investigations and will be seeking further input from landowners and the wider community.

“Electricity load demand will dictate the exact date the new transmission line will be required. Securing the future route and easement for the new line now ensures the eventual construction can proceed as soon as a trigger occurs,” said Mr Court-Kowalski.

ElectraNet will continue to closely monitor and test the existing transmission line to better understand how its age and condition infl uence its need for replacement, ensuring reliable high-voltage electricity to the Eyre Peninsula into the future.

delivered to Darwin initially, where it will undergo intensive testing.

“Local contractors are being engaged to complete the initial civil works.

“Other upgrades already completed include the automation of the Ali Curung Line Feeder 2, replacement of old high voltage pot heads and the fi tting of bird protection devices aimed at reducing bird strikes on key infrastructure,” he said.

Mr Greenwood said switchgear are essentially circuit breakers that operate to clear faults on the overhead line feeders. The new indoor switchroom project was initiated in 2013 and the overall investment at its completion is estimated at $4 760 000.

Following the testing phase, the building will be transported to Tennant Creek in early 2015 and installed and commissioned by August 2015.

Type: Telescopic with fly boom.

Suitable Vehicles: Minimum 16T GVMdepending on required payload. Suitable for4x2, 6x4 and 6x6 chassis.

Platform Height: 19m nominal workingheight. 17m nominal basket floor height(depending on truck chassis height).

Telescopic Extension: 5.2m

Travelling Height: 3.9m - 4.1m on averagecab chassis.

Radius of Operation: 12.9m to outside edgeof basket at 5.0m basket floor height.Maximum side reach 13.5m.

Rated Capacity: 400kg standard dependingon options fitted, chassis GVM and type ofstabilisation.

Zero Tail Swing: Turret rotated in anyposition does not exceed the overall widthof the vehicle.

Fly Boom: Capable of158˚ rotation.

Basket Slew: Highcapacity basket rotator,capable of 180˚ rotationwith no limitation toWLL.

Slewing: Hydraulic andelectric swivel couplingoffering 360˚ continuousslew.

Main Frame:Constructed from high grade steel forminga rigid base for platform and stabiliserattachment points.

Redmond Gary Australia Pty. LtdRG

TL17MElevating WorkPlatform

23-25 Production AveMolendinar, QLD 4214

Ph: 07 5594 9844Fax: 07 5594 9079Email: [email protected]

ACN: 070 053 584 ABN: 39 070 053 584

www.rg.com.au

SPECIFICATIONS:



THE NEW POWERMASTER® 3 Series handheld energy meter analyser with

true 3-phase capability is now available to Australian and New Zealand customers.

Two versions are available:1. The 3301 has the ability for customer load

meter testing, register and demand testing, and provides access to vector diagrams, waveforms, and harmonics.

2. The 3302 adds CT and PT burden measurement, CT and PT ratio testing, and direct current inputs.

High Accuracy

With an accuracy of ± 0.05% on direct current channels and ± 0.10% accuracy on probe channels, the PowerMaster® is four times more accurate than most meters.

User Friendly Operation

The user interface is Windows CE based and enables the user to perform complex tasks with an easy-to-use dashboard. This allows the user to either select the appropriate test within the list, or select “Integrated Site Testing” which incorporates all tests together in a step-by- step process.

Hot keys on the front panel are used as shortcuts to quickly view the vector diagram, power meter, waveforms, and harmonics at any time during testing. With features designed to help the meter technician with their job, this user interface is a tool for beginners to metering that is normally reserved for seasoned technicians and engineers only.

Integrated Site Testing

Using Integrated Site Testing, the user can easily test the entire site using a step-by-step process that eliminates mistakes and proves the installation is operating accurately. Integrated Site Testing allows the user to perform tests in sequence that are built into the PowerMaster®. The user will have the option to customise each test for a particular site, which can be associated to any site in the database. These test setups can be created and customised as required.

Creating a Test Plan

Integrated Site Test is a 3-step procedure that guides the user through the testing process. This process eliminates setup mistakes and simplifies the entire testing procedure. This procedure allows the user to make changes to the setup that was selected in the Site Editor.

To help users verify their wiring connection, once the test plan has been configured, and

both the Service and Service type selected correctly, proceeding with the Integrated Site Test will show the wiring diagram for how the connections should be made.

This gives users who may have not seen a particular service type before, the ability to learn how to make connections.

Instrument Transformer Testing

Some of the more powerful features of the PowerMaster® are in the Instrument Transformer Testing section.

The PowerMaster® 3302 has the ability to sequentially test all three CTs and PTs in the metering circuit. Using the Hot Keys, the user can quickly view the power pairs (secondary and primary) for diagnostics. Each test displays the graphs of the ratio and the parallelogram for all phases on one page.

An additional feature on the 3302 is the ability to measure the burden on the circuit. With a simple quick test, the total burden of the CT circuit can be measured and analysed to determine the potential for an overburdened CT.

Customer Load Meter Testing

Customer load testing on either model can determine within seconds how accurate the meter is under actual site conditions. Determining this accuracy is valuable since the customer is being billed under these conditions.

Hot Keys

The user can easily access important functions at any time with dedicated buttons on the PowerMaster® front panel comprising:

•Waveforms•Vectordiagram•Powermeasurements•Harmonics

Alternatively, all functions can be accessed using a PC/laptop or USB keyboard.

Waveforms

This oscilloscope-type display shows the user the amplitude and phase relationships in time between the voltage and current. All phases are color-coded (A = red, B = yellow, C =blue).

Steps for creating a Test Plan

The line density for each phase is used to differentiate between the voltages and currents.

The waveform display uses an auto-scaling function. This gives the user the ability to view both currents and voltages efficiently when amplitude is much greater than the other.

When harmonic distortion is present, the waveform lines will appear uneven to display non-linear load situations.

Leading or lagging power factor is displayed here. When the current waveform peaks after the voltage waveform, the power factor is considered to be “lagging” and termed as an inductive load. This is normal in most metering installations. When the current waveform peaks before the voltage waveform, the power factor is considered to be “leading” and termed as a capacitive load. A leading power factor is not as common in metering, but is normally seen when capacitor banks are used in service installations when no load is present.

Phase rotation can easily be seen in this graph as well. Whichever phase voltage “peaks” first in time determines the phase rotation.

If the A phase voltage displays its peak first in the waveform, the rotation is considered to be ABC. In the graph above, the rotation is ABC since A phase voltage displays its full peak first.

Vector Diagram

The vector diagram is usually the preferred tool for site analysis. In one screen, the PowerMaster® displays the phase relationship between the currents and voltages. The PowerMaster® considers this relationship to be the “power pair” where all power is calculated. The amplitude of the voltage and current (i.e. length of the displayed line) is proportionate to the current and voltage readings. In other words, as the current increases the line will increase in length. The phase angle is displayed to show the relationship in time (by convention it is displayed in degrees) according to the way the service transformers are wired.

The user is able to change the “power pair” when primary probes are detected (voltage and/or current). For secondary currents, the vector displays “SVan” to signify the secondary current for

A voltage in reference to Neutral. Similarly, the secondary currents are labeled “SIa” to signify the secondary current for A phase. If primary probes are detected, the user can

press F4 to switch the “power pair” to view the relationship between the secondary voltages (SVan) and the primary currents (PIa).

The user can press the F4 key again to view the relationship between the primary voltages (PVan) and the primary currents (PIa) as well. Power will be calculated accordingly.

Leading or lagging power factor is also displayed here. As the current vector shifts to the right of the voltage vector, the power factor is considered to be “lagging” and termed as an inductive load. This is normal in most metering installations.

New Energy Meter Analyser


As the current vector shifts to the left of the voltage vector, the power factor is considered to be “leading” and termed as a capacitive load.

A leading power factor is not as common in metering, but is normally seen when capacitor banks are used in service installations when no load is present.

Rotation (“ROT”) is displayed in the System (SYS) box to signify the rotation of the service transformers (ABC or CBA). The “SYS” values are the averages of the voltage, current, and power factor for all active phases.

Relationship Between Meter Connections and Vector Diagram

This screen allows the user to view the service type connections (along with color-coded PowerMaster® probe connections) and the associated vector diagram.

The vector diagram is always displayed to the bottom left and is show in a “unity” situation (power factor = 1.00).

PowerMeasurement

Harmonics

This screen allows the user to view the harmonics present in the measurement circuit. For each phase, both the voltage and current harmonics can be seen.

The current harmonics are shown as a bold red bar, and the voltage harmonics are shown as a thinner black bar. The THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) for both voltage and current can be seen at the top right of each graph per phase.

Internal Database

The PowerMaster® has a built-in SQL database that can hold all information pertaining to the site including (but not limited to) the meter, CT, PT, AMR, account number,

address, substation, GPS coordinates, billing multiplier, and when the site needs to be tested again.

The user can easily select a pre-loaded component (meter, CT, PT, etc.) from the included database or create a new component to be associated to each metering site. Using the Meter Site Manager PC software, this information along with data results can be synchronized to the master database or formatted into a .csv or .txt file for exporting into the utility’s master database.

The major benefit of having the database on-board the PowerMaster® is the ability to create a daily test route which can either be setup at base or synched from Meter Site Manager before going into the field.

PACIFIC TEST Equipment

Unit 27, 7 Anella AveCastle HillNSW 2154Phone: +61 2 9659 2300Email: [email protected]

New Energy Meter Analyser

iDemand backgroundEnergy storage• 400 kWh capacity system using pouch-type

lithium polymer battery technology• 4,000 cycles over the life of the battery,

assuming a maximum 80% depth-of-discharge (after which the battery’s capacity is reduced by approximately 20%)

•Housed in a shipping container with solar panels on top for shading and light-refl ecting ceramic paint on the sides

• Lithium polymer technology’s energy density and response time is suitable for both load shifting (peak demand management purposes) and power quality support

• Lithium polymer was chosen over lithium ion for its high density relative to low weight and size. Lithium polymer was chosen over zinc bromine fl ow batteries for its lower cost, longer life and low maintenance requirements.

• Able to supply the equivalent of 40 average households’ demand at peak times

• Programmable control system, for example programmable charge/discharge profi le (either in pre-set hourly increments across the day or possibly dynamically every 5 seconds in response to changing load or market conditions)

Solar panels• 53.5 kW capacity polycrystalline silicon

solar panels (the relatively common type of solar panels found on many household and business roofs)

iDemand to grow demand management market

TransGrid has unveiled its iDemand system, a research

driven technological initiative aimed at developing methods for managing peak energy demand.

Unlocking demand management alternatives reduces the need for infrastructure investment which means a more effi cient supply of energy to NSW consumers and the community. By investing in demand management research, TransGrid is strengthening their ability to provide a safe, reliable and effi cient supply of electricity.

iDemand is located at TransGrid’s Western Sydney site, consisting of batteries storing 400 kilowatthours of capacity fi lling a small shipping container, with solar panels installed on top as well as shading the centre car park. Using Lithium polymer battery technology, for sustained power delivery, fast response time and relatively low maintenance requirements, the system has enough energy capacity to offset the equivalent of 40 households’ load at times of peak.

TransGrid has developed an interactive web portal that shows live status updates of the system’s energy fl ow and storage, allowing for the download of historical data to assist research in demand management.

The research tour and web portal launched last November hopes to seek expressions of interest in iDemand research agreements from academics and industry members, to derive the most value from the installation. This is achieved by enabling learning and knowledge that will grow the market for demand management solutions.

iDemand includes one of only several large-scale battery installations in the National Electricity Market, allowing for a unique

Above: iDemand container

Above: iDemand site Above: iDemand web

opportunity in developing demand management alternatives to network investment.

TransGrid is committed to producing cost-effective demand management alternatives to network investment, and undertakes innovative activities such as iDemand in order to contribute to boosting uptake of demand management in NSW.

This project is another example of TransGrid leading the way in developing the demand management market to help take the pressure off the grid during peak times.

iDemand solar

• 45.3 kW capacity thin-fi lm cadmium telluride solar panels (relatively new technology which avoid the use of expensive silicon wafers and so reduce module manufacturing costs by up to 50%, although require more surface area per unit of output)

• Each set shades 28 car park spots for the site• Energy effi cient lights. A retrofi t of the

site’s warehouse and workshop with LED (light emitting diode) lamps – DC lights in the workshop (supplied from a converter connected directly to the energy storage system) and AC lights in the warehouse supplied from the site’s switchboard (which in turn is fed from the iDemand solar panels and storage system)

• Weather station recording ambient temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed and direction

iDemand is integrated into TransGrid’s Western Sydney site• Around 300 employees• 4 offi ce blocks, a warehouse and a

workshop.• The site’s electrical load is now supplied by

both the local distribution network’s supply and by supply from iDemand

Web portal• A live ‘site monitor’ showing the real-time

status of the iDemand equipment• Graphs showing recent data for the site• Full historical dataset for download• Information about making iDemand research

agreements with TransGrid


THE 1961 Kurnell zone substation is set to be replaced with the fi nal

stage of work set to begin on the new Kurnell South zone substation.

Recently, equipment at the new substation was successfully energised and crews will now be working on the 11,000 volt powerlines running throughout Kurnell preparing for their transfer to the new substation, Ausgrid Chief Operating Offi cer Trevor Armstrong said.

“This new substation will help provide a safe and reliable supply to important industrial customers in Kurnell,” Mr Armstrong said.

“While the old substation has served the area well for more than 50 years, it is now time for it to be replaced.”

Photos show Transformer delivery and installation at Kurnell South zone

substation

Kurnell South zone substation energised

Ausgrid’s new substation will replace the existing Kurnell zone substation which was built in 1961. When completed, the substation will increase capacity for Cronulla and Woolooware suburbs. Two 37.5MVA, 132/11kV transformers were supplied by Wilson Transformer Company for this particular project.

The 54 tonne transformers were transported by road from the company’s Power Business Unit in Victoria to Kurnell and then assembled by the Wilson Transformer installation team at site. As is typical of such arduous road trips it was not without its challenges, particularly when negotiating the narrow streets and performing the actual delivery within the confi ned access to the site.

In 2013, Wilson Transformer Company has completed a $65 million upgrade of the Glen Waverley power transformer plant as well as a

Powering up Kurnell South SubstationAUSTRALIA’s leading manufacturer of power and distribution transformers,

Wilson Transformer Company has a long and high valued relationship with Ausgrid. Over the last ten years more than 100 transformers of various types have been manufactured and supplied to Ausgrid with one of their latest projects being the construction of the new Kurnell South Substation in southern Sydney, New South Wales. Wilson Transformer Company congratulates Ausgrid on the fi nal stage of works for Kurnell South Substation.

signifi cant upgrade of the Wodonga distribution transformer plant. The project started in 2009 with goals of increasing capacity and productivity, improving quality and safety, and adopting the latest technology to become a world-class transformer manufacturer.

The company’s ability to offer superior service has earned it many long term relationships with clients. Well over half of the company’s sales represent repeat business with existing customers, most of whom have worked with the fi rm for at least fi ve years; several major clients have been buying from Wilson Transformer Company for more than a decade. And, with state-of-the-art factories in Glen Waverley and Wodonga, together with a capable skilled Australian workforce, the Wilson Transformer Company is well equipped to meet its customers’ future requirements.

Helping provide a safe and reliable power supply to not only homes and businesses, but major industries as well, is a key part of Ausgrid’s operations.”

The new substation is on Captain Cook Drive. Ausgrid will be working with industrial customers who require alterations to their internal networks, before the supply can be safely switched over to the new substation.

Equipment installed in the new substation includes:• Two X 37.5 MVA transformers.• 20 X 11,000 volt switchgear panels.• Two X auxiliary kiosk substations.

The new zone substation will supply the Kurnell peninsula and provide future interconnection with Cronulla Zone substation to increase capacity for and improve reliability in Cronulla and Woolooware.

Ausgrid’s electricity network supplies power to 1.6 million homes and businesses across Sydney, the Central Coast and the Hunter.


ElectraNet is constantly seeking ways of reducing the pressure

on electricity prices by driving the transmission network harder and longer, and looking for smarter ways of managing the network.

To this end, ElectraNet is developing a three year program of small scale projects designed to improve the capability of the transmission network in locations most important to determining spot prices and at the times most valued by users, commencing in 2015-16.

These projects are contained within a Network Capability Incentive Parameter Action Plan developed under the Service Target Performance Incentive Scheme that applies to transmission network businesses.

Prior to submitting the Plan to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) for formal approval under the Rules, ElectraNet and AEMO invite comment from stakeholders on the priority projects that have been identifi ed in the Plan.

Network Capability Proposals

ConsultationElectraNet, South Australia’s

specialist in electricity transmission has welcomed a new Chief Executive - Steve Masters.

ElectraNet Welcomes New Chief Executive

Steve comes to ElectraNet with over 20 years of resources industry experience, including a solid background in Australian energy markets. He has previously held senior and executive roles with key Australian companies, leading commercial, marketing, corporate development and investor relations functions.

Steve’s formal qualifi cations include a Bachelor of Science (with Honours) and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment. He has attended University of Chicago Business School’s Executive Program in Corporate Strategy, and Oxford University’s Advanced Management and Leadership Program.

Steve takes over from Ian Stirling, who has retired after 15 years at ElectraNet, including 12 years as Chief Executive Offi cer.

ElectraNet Chairman, Gordon Jardine, said “We are confi dent that Steve will provide ElectraNet with the skills, experience, energy and enthusiasm to meet the challenges of the changing landscape for electricity supply in the years ahead.”

As South Australia’s electricity transmission specialist, ElectraNet plays an active role in ensuring that the transmission network is prepared for the changing way electricity is generated and consumed into the future.

ElectraNet owns and operates more than $2.5 billion of electricity transmission assets and has one of the highest network reliability levels in Australia. The electricity transmission network in South Australia extends across some 200,000 square kilometres and includes 5,600 route kilometres of transmissions lines.

ElectraNet is a private company owned by State Grid Corporation of China, YTL Power Investments and Hastings Funds Management.

Steve is looking forward to working with the Board, and the very capable team at ElectraNet.

“ElectraNet’s high voltage electricity grid is the backbone of electricity supply in South Australia, and is focused on delivering a reliable, cost-effective and adaptive electricity transmission network. I am already impressed with ElectraNet’s corporate values, its track record of high network reliability and the focus on effi ciency improvements,” said Steve.

To ensure that the transmission network will meet South Australia’s future energy requirements, ElectraNet has a ten year planning outlook and aligns its network planning with the future needs of its customers and industry development.

ElectraNet takes an active role in supporting the continued development of renewable energy projects and other generation investment, including mining and other projects that need a reliable supply of electricity.

ElectraNet has undertaken a signifi cant number of energy transmission connections in the National Electricity Market in the past ten years with projects including 132 kV and 275 kV substations and transmission lines. ElectraNet is also the largest connector of wind generation in Australia, with the second largest wind-to-load ratio in the world.

REPLACEMENT of a 132kV circuit breaker at the Pine Creek

Switchyard was successfully completed by Power and Water Corporation recently with the circuit breaker now energised and in service, A/General Manager Power Networks Paul Ascione said.

“The project was part of Power and Water’s intensive repair and maintenance program designed to improve the reliability of the electricity network and increase operational fl exibility,” he said.

“We had a clearly defi ned project timeline, which we met with a day to spare.

“The process of replacing, testing and

Pine Creek circuit breaker energised and in service on time

Above: Circuit breaker underway at the Pine Creek Switchyard

returning circuit breakers to full service always creates some fragility in the power network.

“However Power and Water had developed comprehensive contingency plans and our technicians were able to complete the project without any power interruptions to customers.

“Power and Water continues to upgrade infrastructure in regions around the Northern Territory,” Mr Ascione said.

For the duration of the circuit breaker replacement works, the Katherine/Pine Creek network was supplied from the Katherine Power Station, operating independently of the Darwin network.

For further information on Power and Water’s Major Projects go to www.powerwater.com.au/majorprojects

ERGON ENERGY has taken partial possession, commencing fi t-out of the

new, state-of-the-art Toowoomba Central substation site in a key milestone for its $74 million project to deliver long-term power supply security to the Central Business District.

The fully enclosed substation is being been built as part of the enlarged Gardentown Shopping Centre complex, while the existing substation site across Victoria Street will become part of the retail precinct once decommissioned.

Queensland Investment Corporation, which owns the shopping centre and arranged construction of the modern substation building as part of the land swap arrangement, has allowed Ergon to start installation activities while the remaining minor building works and facade are completed.

General Manager Major Projects Brian Iwaszczyn said the concurrent work activities were necessary for Ergon to expedite electrical installation work in the substation to meet an ambitious network commissioning milestone towards the end of the year.

New CBD substation site to be handed overMr Iwaszczyn said the project also included an

upgrade at the South Toowoomba substation and a double circuit, underground 110kV line between the two substations to provide a higher level of capacity and reliability for the 24,000 customers supplied from them.

“The people of Toowoomba can now see the new substation building and it is vast improvement aesthetically on the existing outdoor ‘pipe’ substation built in 1961,” he said.

“But just as importantly, as the only substation servicing the greater CBD, it allows for the expansion at North Toowoomba, where a lot of development is expected in the future.

“The underground cabling work on the golf course is tracking well and ultimately this will allow the two 33kV overhead lines that go through the golf course and across residential and CBD areas to be removed from the skyline.

“We are building a modern, community friendly network for a modern, growing city, and providing a signifi cant boost for the Toowoomba economy during construction with an estimated 85,000 hours of labour required for works at the two substations, on the line route between them and for associated distribution lines.”

Mr Iwaszczyn said the new control room for the Toowoomba South substation was built by Ergon’s Energy Solutions unit in Banyo,

“Weighing 65 tonnes, it was trucked 140km up the Toowoomba Range before being lifted on to piers at Toowoomba South substation by two 130-tonne cranes,” he said.

“The Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS) system installed at the South Toowoomba substation marks the fi rst time Ergon has operated this equipment at 132kV.

“The system is a fraction of the size of traditional switching stations, but offers improved safety and is cost effective.

“About 9km of custom-made cable is being installed between the Central and South Toowoomba substations as part of this project.

“The installation of the cables required about 2000 cubic metres – or 400 truckloads – of a thermal fl owable concrete fi ll to be supplied.

“The special mix is made with granite aggregate from Warwick and sand from Allora, as the basalt based materials found in the Toowoomba region did not meet the stringent heat conductivity specifi cations required.”


Enhanced by the in-house ability to take it one step further, with the application of frontline safety solutions, the company’s focus is geared towards a practical perspective. This is supported by an extensive research and development programme to create innovative systems to ensure worker safety throughout the mineral resources, energy and construction sectors.

General Manager Mark Austin believes proactivity is the key to workplace safety.

“In any industry sector or on a construction site, the production methods used continue to evolve as we get smarter. Whether due to technological advances or in the ever improving plant and equipment used. But one thing remains constant and it’s human involvement. Like it or not, humans will always fi nd new ways to have accidents and we have to be diligent and extremely proactive in the way we combat potential safety concerns.

“At BLH, as far as solutions are concerned, we think in terms of the practical onsite application. What are we protecting workers from and what are the parameters of natural human behaviour when operating in that particular workplace environment?

“Although there are obvious common denominators the potential for accidents can vary depending on the particular workplace in question. Our role is to identify those risks before they become a problem and tailor a solution that suits the logistical requirements of that workplace and allows the worker to perform safely at their best without distraction.”

Mark is particularly proud of two of his company’s innovative safety systems and with good reason. BLH Stop Drop™ Barricading and BLH Guarding Solutions™ are extremely practical and very effective.

BLH Stop Drop™ Barricading has been recently installed by the company in one of Hydro Tasmania’s power stations. The application provided a lightweight non-conductive barrier to reduce the risks of accidents and potential incidents caused by a dropped object. Such safety protection is an extremely important aspect in reducing the costs of workplace injuries in the face of complacency.

Injuries caused by dropped or falling objects are far more commonplace than perhaps one would expect. As an indicator of how prevalent they are, according to Safe Work Australia between 1st January and 30th April 2012 there were ten work related fatalities involving a falling object. Critically, in Australian industries alone, such a cause of work related death ranked third.

It’s one of the reasons why BLH Safety Solutions has invested so much into the development of its Stop Drop™ Barricading System and it is designed to protect workers from falling or dropped objects in all work areas including platforms, scaffolding, walkways and stairways.

BLH believes that the application of any safety solution must be user friendly and relatively simple to apply. For instance BLH Stop Drop™ doesn’t require bolts or additional fasteners it combines an innovative clip on approach. It’s made out of environmentally friendly, recyclable polymers and sensibly, it’s corrosion resistant in saline environments.

Its composition is also UV stabilised, chemical resistant as well as fi re and impact resistant. BLH Stop Drop™ does not conduct heat, it’s lightweight with no sharp edges, pinch points and places minimal wind loading on the installed structure.

As for cost effectiveness? Putting aside the value of one’s life, the BLH Stop Drop™ Barricading System is reusable and designed for use in temporary or permanent locations. There’s no on site design or fabrication required as the barricading itself will accommodate multiple confi gurations and it’s easy to install so the process has minimal impact on workers’ onsite activities.

Safety around machinery is also an important workplace consideration and BLH Guarding

BLH Stop Drop System Combats Falling Objects

BLH Safety Solutions is continuing to build an international reputation for putting workplace safety fi rst as its major priority. As a division of the global

BLH Group, the company is dedicated to reducing accidents and incidents at workplaces across the globe. The company is perfectly placed to identify and analyse world’s best practice and implement these into its innovative range of products and services.

Solutions™ have been developed to cover the range of potentially dangerous workplace environments including conveyors, knife gate valves, moving machinery and plant equipment.

Similar in construction to the BLH Stop Drop™ Barricading, Conveyor & Guarding Solutions™ have been designed to combat worker proximity to machinery. They also include additional features to accommodate a wide variety of rotating and moving machinery with consideration given to doors and hinges for entry points and inspection points. They

are also perfect to withstand corrosion in any port or off shore requirement, or anywhere when corrosive fl uids are used in processing operations.

When a company is concerned about both the safety of their workers, the loss of injury time and the subsequent cost, BLH Safety Solutions sounds like a smart place to start. The company does nothing else but concentrate on removing the potential for workplace accidents and at this point in time it would appear that they do it very well.

If you would like to know more visit: www.blhsafetysolutions.com

Photos depict BLH workplace safety barracades developed to cover the range of potentially dangerous workplace environments


THE year was 1989, Australia regains The Ashes from England

after 40 years of defeat, Young Talent Time is cancelled, ACT holds its fi rst ever elections, Australia’s fi rst woman fl ys non-stop around the world and a new Neighbours theme song is aired.

It was a big year for the country but an even bigger year for a group of new staff who began their careers at the ACT Electricity and Water Authority, which is now known as ActewAGL.

As 2014 drew to a close, 19 of these staff are still with ActewAGL 25 years on. From electrical fi tters to engineers and design team managers, these committed employees have helped ActewAGL deliver essential services to Canberra and the surrounding area for a quarter of a century.

Canberra resident Val Albrecht who started her career as a young Customer Services Offi cer now works as a Marketing Offi cer and says she has had many happy memories from her 25 years at ActewAGL.

“ActewAGL has been an excellent employer over the course of my career, providing plenty of opportunity to progress both professionally and personally and I have always felt part of the family.”

ActewAGL Director People and Performance Tania Hutchison says she’s

ActewAGL staff still going strong 25 years on

proud to acknowledge the dedication of these 19 long serving employees.

“Five years is a long time in any organisation these days, so these ActewAGL employees should be congratulated on their loyalty and achievements over the last 25 years.”

ActewAGL would like to thank the following staff members for their outstanding 25 year contribution:

Robert Rumsey, Elizabeth Webber, Val Albrecht, Lauren Kennedy, Alexander Humphreys, James O’Brien, Margaret Harvey, Brian Queripel, Jeffery Roberts, Roger Carmody, Benjamin Dimaano, Alexander Saeck, Allen Scanes, Matthew Miles, Timothy Doyle, Pasqualle Perre and Scott McQualter.

Above: ActewAGL’s Val Albrecht on the job

ERGON ENERGY’s next generation of power industry fi eld and

substation crews will be inducted in February and March, 2015.

Chief Executive Ian McLeod said 66 apprenticeships had been offered at 28 locations from Thursday Island to Quilpie.

He said the apprenticeships were a great opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn a valuable trade.

“These apprenticeships are mostly offered to local people so they can develop their skills while remaining in the community with their family and friends,” he said.

“The apprenticeships we offer each year refl ect the changing needs of our workforce, and we have a strong focus on diversity and being representative of the communities we serve.

“Seven of the apprenticeships are targeted for applicants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent and another seven for female candidates.

“We traditionally exceed our targets because we also encourage ATSI and female candidates to apply for roles at other locations as well.”

Apprenticeships are available in a range of trades – communications technician, distribution linesperson, transmission linesperson and electrotechnology electrician.

Several of the apprenticeships will be offered in conjunction with diploma or associate degree courses to ensure the apprentices complete their training with the skills required for the future.

Apprenticeships on offer in regional Queensland

Apprentice News

Above: Mr Ian McLeod

Mr McLeod said Ergon Energy traditionally received in excess of 2000 applications for its annual apprenticeship intake.

“The strong interest in our apprenticeships is testament to the strength of our program and also to the reputation of the company as a preferred place to train and work in regional Queensland,” he said.

A small number of the apprenticeships are available for current Ergon staff who aim to move into these roles to improve their career prospects.

Apprenticeships are available in: Atherton, Banyo, Blackwater, Cairns, Charleville, Chinchilla, Clermont, Cooktown, Dalby, Emerald, Gladstone, Hervey Bay, Ingham, Innisfail, Kingaroy, Mackay, Mareeba, Maryborough, Monto, Mossman, Moura, Quilpie, Rockhampton, Roma, Toowoomba, Townsville, Tully and Warwick.

YOU could say that Andrew Deme (pictured right) is part of the furniture

at Ergon Energy. Having worked across a number of areas in a range of positions over the last 14 years, Andrew’s seen the company and the industry go through several changes.

As Group Manager Network Development, Andrew - pictured below - is responsible for steering the good ship SS Ergon away from peak demand land and one-way power fl ows, into a world where the traditional electricity network exists in harmony with distributed generation, storage and more and more of our transport system being electrifi ed.

Talking Energy recently invited Andrew to discuss what he sees as the future for this utility.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and the role you play at Ergon?

“I started in banking in the mid 80s and went through the rapid development of information technology, cashier terminals, passbook printers, automated teller machines, interactive voice response systems and one of the world’s fi rst intranets and eCommerce systems.

Fourteen years ago I joined Ergon Energy’s IT department and then worked my way into a business development role with Nexium Telecommunications. From there I moved to Asset Management, with a goal of developing a ubiquitous telecommunications network, P25 two-way radio and cellular data networks. Then about six months ago I progressed into my current role – Group Manager Network Development.

Throughout my entire time at Ergon I have been surrounded by the best and the brightest and am humbled to be associated with their successes.”

You’ve obviously seen a lot changes in Ergon during your time with the business?

“At Ergon, it’s been gradual. The thing I’ve witnessed in the electricity industry is that change has been much, much slower until now, compared to other industries. The change in banking, the change in IT and the change in telecommunications has been consistently rapid. If you think of how we purchase things, we now

have Amazon and Ebay as well as companies like Coles and Woolworths as well as Apple, who are now entering the fi nance market - the change in those industries has been quite amazing.

However, what we’ve seen in the last four years is the beginning of a revolution with the massive uptake of solar and I think what we’ll see in the next four to fi ve years is the same for battery technology and electric vehicles. Even if the uptake is slower it will still be an amazing difference to the last, say, 100 years of what we used to think of as power networks.

For example, 10 years ago you needed to be a billionaire to play a serious role in the power industry, building a coal fi red generator, buying a power network or a retailer was a massive investment.

Now the investment for new entrants is relatively low with wind and solar farms, battery storage or even gas peaking plants being seen by entrepreneurs as worth investing in.

This will increase the activity within Ergon Energy in evaluating and planning for a greater number and range of options and our future depends on our ability to create a platform that interconnects, integrates and shares the costs and benefi ts amongst all those that are connected today and want to be connected in the future.”

What does the future of the industry entail?“Customers want to have more control and

infl uence over how they use power. They also want more control over the certainty in the price they pay. Many want to pay their electricity bills at a fi xed rate, much like a banking where customers have a choice between fi xed and variable interest on their home loans.

Another example are mobile phone plans where we pay a fi xed monthly amount and get a certain amount of call minutes, texts and downloads.

As well as certainty around price, the investments in infrastructure will be more distributed throughout the network as well as moving closer to the end customer.”

So, why has the electricity industry been slow to change and adapt?

“In reality the power industry created the underlying infrastructure that has for the last 100 years supported massive economic growth.

The Network – A view from the inside

As we became an electricity powered society, the peak use of power continued to increase but only recently, effi ciency gains in manufacturing as well as heating, cooling and appliances have seen overall energy use decreasing slightly.

What might surprise many people is that it was nearly 60 years ago when IBM made the fi rst hard disk drive which stored 3.75 MB. Since then, the rate of development has been nothing short of stunning.”

What will the electricity industry look like in 60 years?

“For me, the turning point for the electricity industry happened about eight years ago, when it became obvious that distributed generation (solar PV) was set to grow dramatically.

Unlike the IT industry where CPU speed, hard disk storage and telecommunications networks developed at a similar rate, the development of solar technology didn’t occur at the same time as the development of battery storage technology and the power network still has to meet peak demand, whilst experiencing reverse power fl ows from solar during the day.

So just like how the refrigerator disrupted the food supply chain by allowing shops and homes to store food, battery storage and other technology in the customer premises and in the grid will create a similar disruption.

With battery storage, the industry is at the cusp of having access to its fi rst ‘hard drive’, so in reality it isn’t so much that it is slow to change but more so that the technology options haven’t been available, that is……until now.”

If you could tell someone how Network Optimisation is playing in that new frontier, what would you say?

“We have around $11 billion worth of assets which already connects a massive customer base. It’s a great position for Ergon to be in as we have the ability to leverage developing technology and increase the value of the distribution network by interconnecting users and suppliers of electricity, and the more local they are the better for our network business.

My foremost goal is to ensure the changes we make to the topology and technologies in the power distribution network encourages the use of the entire network, all the while stabilising power fl ows and voltages and this all hinges on our ability to partner with our customers.

Ultimately of course, the goal of Network Optimisation is to maintain services, whilst stabilising the price for customers by minimising investment in augmentation of the network and interconnecting renewables with users.

Facilitating the exchange of electricity between producers and consumers, no matter where they are located on our network and in many cases the same premises, is at the heart of our Platform Business Model and I expect we will all play a lead role in the development of this highly innovative ecosystem. Exciting times ahead!”


POWER and Water has welcomed a fi rst intake of 15 new apprentices

and trainees to complete its highly successful training program.

The apprentices’ ages span 18 – 31+ and their career choices cover Power Networks, Water Services and Retail as well as Territory Generation and include linesmen, electricians, mechanical fi tter, water operations and business administration, Power and Water Chief Executive Mr John Baskerville said.

“Power and Water attributes its high competency and apprentice completion rate to the comprehensive scope of the training and breadth of support apprentices receive throughout their instruction.

“This includes contributions by mentors, supervisors, GTNT and the provision of a dedicated employee pathways coordinator.

“The ongoing employment statistics speak for themselves.

“In 2014, 31 apprentices and trainees successfully completed their courses with 21

Apprentice success on-going at Power and Water

Above: New Darwin apprentices at the Woolner/Snell Street Substation

offered full time positions with Power and Water, nine offered six month contracts as per the Enterprise Agreement and one moving interstate to pursue their career,” Mr Baskerville said.

The current group brings with it a range of life experiences refl ective of their diverse age range. Some have come straight from school or from other apprenticeships. Others have moved from different careers such as Police or left work in the mines to gain further qualifi cations. Two apprentices are female and studying to become electricians with Power Networks and Territory Generation.

The apprentices and trainees are also working across key centres in the Northern Territory: Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs.

Power and Water is still recruiting for the following eight positions and interested candidates should contact GTNT on

(08) 8980 0600.

Above: Apprentice welding in the apprentice workshop

Networks Linesman – 1 (Katherine)Mechanical Fitter – 1 (Territory Generation Channel Island Power Station)Water Services Mechanical Fitter – 1 (Darwin)Water Services Business Administration – 1 (Darwin)Retail Business Administration – 2 (Darwin)Retail Business Administration – 1 (Alice Springs)Water Operations – 1 (Alice Springs)

Above: Apprentices and trainer Jeff Coulter pouring concrete for the base of a new light pole at Power and Water’s Ben Hammond complex

Apprentice News

GENERAL Manager Network Services, Rob Atkin offered his congratulations to the Class of 2011 apprentices who completed their apprenticeships in December. Following four

years of dedicated studying and on the job training, all apprentices received their Certifi cate III in their respective trades at a morning tea at Greenway.

The 16 graduating apprentices and their respective trades are listed below.

• Lineworkers: Craig Grocock, Shaun Evans, Matt McMahon and Tony Oldfi eld.

• Cable jointers: Brendan Evans, Brett Costello, Thomas O’Neill and James Rewi-Wetini.

• Fitters: Daniel Barbary, Caleb Garvie, Samantha Green and Jade Hawker.

• Dual trade: Jayson Morschel (cable jointer/lineworker), Dave Sweeting (fi tter/lineworker).

• Tri trade: Grant Howlett (fi tter/lineworker transmission/lineworker Distribution).

• External lineworker: Daryl Coggan.

Over the last 50 years, more than 400 apprentices have successfully completed their apprenticeships with ActewAGL and our predecessors. As a registered training organisation operating under the Australian Quality Training Framework, we have been able to provide excellent opportunities for people from our region to kick-start their careers or, in many cases, re-start their careers as mature-aged apprentices.

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2011

Above: Congratulating our graduates: The majority of the graduates line up for a quick happy snap


Grid Utility Support Systems or GUSS will be rolled out in 2015

IN an Australian fi rst, Ergon Energy expects to be installing new battery-

based technology called Grid Utility Support Systems (GUSS) to help power sections of its electricity network by mid-2015.

The news comes with the announcement of S&C Electric Company winning an Ergon tender to provide 20 of the ground-breaking GUSS units.

GUSS works by charging batteries overnight when electricity use is at its lowest and discharging them during the day if required when energy use peaks.

Designed, developed and proven by Ergon from an initial concept in 2006, the GUSS units are an advanced, cost effective technology solution that will improve the quality and reliability of electricity supply to rural customers on constrained single wire high voltage distribution voltage lines, known as SWER (Single Wire Earth Return).

“Traditional augmentation solutions to constrained SWER lines where demand on that line is exceeding its capabilities can cost in excess of $2 million” Ergon Chief Executive Ian McLeod said.

“GUSS units are not only a quicker solution than traditional network augmentation, but the money we can save will ultimately put downward pressure on electricity prices.”

Additionally customers on constrained networks who have had to limit their demand due to the available capacity may be able to access additional supply.

“This is a fi rst for Ergon and Australia,” said Ergon Chief Executive Ian McLeod.

“This technology has been proven and made ready for real-world deployment without subsidies to Ergon which is also unique for this kind of technology.

“Using a battery-based system in place of traditional network augmentation will not only deliver better value for Ergon and customers, it will help drive similar technology and integration on the electricity network,” Mr McLeod explained.

Ergon fi nalised a successful trial of prototype GUSS units in Far North Queensland last year and will now roll the systems out strategically to sections of SWER network.

GUSS units could reduce SWER network augmentation costs by more than 35 per cent

Battery technology on electricity network an Australian fi rst

THE project team staked its claim to success in Queensland’s far north-

west country, where the sunburned savannah seemingly stretches to infi nity, reaching for the Gulf of Carpentaria.

But it wasn’t a new mineral lode or gas reserve that had Ergon Energy’s engineers glowing this year. Instead, it was the knowledge they had successfully integrated the sun, the oldest of energy sources, with the isolated township of Doomadgee’s existing Power Station to provide a ground-breaking solution that delivers reliable and renewable power.

Utilities around the world, as they grapple with the challenge of integrating distributed generation with traditional power supply in isolated grids, could well emulate Ergon’s approach. Its success can be measured in the 264kW of alternative energy generated by 1056 solar panels arrayed on a corner of the 7ha site near the community.

Until 2013, Doomadgee, which lies about 500km from the nearest major centre of Mt Isa, was wholly reliant on costly, carbon-emitting diesel generation for its electricity needs. That was until the Doomadgee Solar Farm project saw Ergon’s ground-breaking engineers challenge preconceived restrictions on the amount of solar that could be connected to a diesel grid without needing costly stability devices.

Doomadgee’s grid is not the largest serviced by Ergon Energy, a Queensland state-owned electricity distributor, but it isn’t the smallest either. The town’s 2.44MW diesel power station is the fourth-largest of Ergon’s isolated power stations and, with almost one-million litres on site, has the most fuel stored.

The solar farm, with its 1056 panels, was designed and constructed to take advantage of the existing diesel power system capability and to deliver an economical solution. The farm allows for 50 per cent instantaneous power penetration, which pushes the technical limits of the system spinning reserve and diesel engine load acceptance. Around 115,000 litres less diesel is expected to be burned each year, and the farm is likely to assist with reliability of supply during extended wet seasons, which can isolate the community for up to six months.

Doomadgee’s solar farm project was awarded the 2014 Clean Energy Council (CEC) Industry Award for Innovation. The CEC awards identify industry excellence with the award for innovation recognising the design and development of a ground breaking Australian clean energy project.

Ergon doesn’t rely only on technological innovation to identify opportunities for more effective energy use and consumption. The company’s powersavvy program has been working in partnership with its stakeholders and isolated customers for a number of years to

provide advice on reducing power consumption, supported through fi nancial incentives for installing energy effi ciency measures.

This program has resulted in electricity savings of about 13.5GWh to date, delivering savings of almost $3 million to customers and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by about 9800 tonnes.

The powersavvy program has helped a Doomadgee business slash its annual electricity consumption by 40 per cent – saving $60,000 a year and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 219 tonnes. The reduced electricity consumption between November 2012 and 2013 was due to energy effi cient changes for lighting, air conditioning and refrigeration, which accounted for 75 per cent of the electricity consumed.

As part of the engagement process, the powersavvy team undertook a comprehensive energy audit and recommended a number of initiatives that would lead to greater energy effi ciencies. The team helped the store implement the changes by engaging specialist project facilitation to ensure the technical and energy-related outcomes were achieved.

A new control system was installed to regulate the air-conditioning system, which reduced running costs by about 35 per cent. Effi ciencies came by consolidating the refrigerator and freezer systems, while LED lighting reduced costs by 50 per cent. The signifi cant drop in

consumption by the large local business has further reduced the amount of diesel required to power this remote Queensland community.

Doomadgee’s solar farm was the fi rst step in ensuring a sustainable power supply for the future of the community, and the large-scale integration of solar and diesel generation means Doomadgee is now a shining light that could glow brighter.

The solar farm is now in the development stages of an $11.8 million expansion after securing $4.5 million from the Federal Government’s Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). The project plans for the solar farm to grow from 264kW to 1.26MW of photovoltaic (PV) generation, delivering 100 per cent instantaneous penetration of renewable energy, while cutting the town’s diesel consumption by 33 per cent. The planning and development work on this project has already begun and is expected to be completed by the end of September 2017, following further internal approvals. This project received funding as part of ARENA’s Regional Australia’s Renewable program.

There are 37 other similarly isolated communities in Ergon’s vast patch. Like most remote communities around the world, each presents a challenge. But with each there could be another opportunity for power system planners and engineers, project managers and energy auditors to apply the knowledge gained from Doomadgee and provide a brighter more sustainable future for others.

Ancient energy adds lustre to 21st century solution

on current estimates. The fi rst production units are expected to be built later this year.

They will provide 25kVA and 100 kilowatt hours nominal capacity per unit, enough to power the average home for up to fi ve days.

The units utilise a total of 50 Lithium-Ion type batteries and were developed by a team of Ergon engineers. Trials of the system since 2011 have proven the concept on Ergon’s SWER network.

In a further bonus for other new technologies, GUSS units will also help Ergon’s network interact with customer solar PV installations more effectively and help avoid costly issues sometimes created by exported power from rooftop solar.

Ergon predicts it could be deploying many hundreds of GUSS units across its SWER

network in coming years.Ergon operates around 65,000 kilometres of

SWER network servicing more than 26,000 customers. SWER has proven to be a low cost and reliable way of servicing low customer densities in rural and remote communities throughout the state.

GUSS and future capabilities – Ian McLeod explains:

“There is a commonly accepted theory that in the future we could be combining home storage of power connected to, and backed up by, the existing electricity network,” Mr McLeod said.

“When we talk about power “stored” at home, this could be through solar-charged batteries in your house, thermal storage such as hot water storage units or even your electric car connected at home,” he said.

“The process of sharing stored energy around existing networks presents challenges however, but GUSS is delivering many answers to this puzzle.

“Combining and sharing stored power across multiple customer premises around sections of electricity network is a solution to peak demand issues – a conundrum under examination in the electricity industry.

“If stored energy could be fed back into the network to help relieve peak demand on our network, this could mean less investment needed on infrastructure and hence less cost needed to be passed on to customers.

“GUSS represents a big step forward in Australian utilities’ adoption of storage technologies.”


Australian Power & Energy News Vol19 No98 February/March 2015

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