Power upgrade starts

New power poles installed south of Woy Woy train station are part of Energy Australia's $7.7million upgrade to the electricity network between Gosford, Woy Woy and Umina, according to company spokesperson Ms Philippa Wheeler.

"This part of the project involves replacing 66,000 volt power lines and replacing the associated power poles where needed," Ms Wheeler said.

"The poles along the rail line were installed in August and we expect the old poles to be removed in December."

Ms Wheeler said the upgrade to the electricity network around Gosford, Umina and Woy Woy would benefit about 25,000 customers in the southern Central Coast suburbs and help meet the growing demand for electricity in the area.

"EnergyAustralia is committed to providing a safe and reliable electricity supply across its network and we are investing $320 million on the Central Coast electricity network in the five years to 2010," Ms Wheeler said.

Lyle Stone, 21 Oct 2007