Electricity upgrade for Pearl Beach

The electricity network supplying Pearl Beach will be upgraded over the next 12 months at a cost of $2 million.

The work is designed to improve reliability in the area, replace older equipment and cater for increasing demand from around 700 customers connected to the local network, according to Ausgrid Central Coast area manager Mr Tom Wilcox.

"Our crews are completely rebuilding large parts of the local network," he said.

"This includes replacement of almost 50 power poles and installation of more than five kilometres of cable designed for use in bushland areas.

"We will also be upgrading the power lines, transformers and other electrical equipment in the area to provide for present and future energy demand," he said.

Mr Wilcox said up to 18 Ausgrid employees, as well as second, third and fourth year apprentices, would be working on the network upgrade.

The upgrade will involve the replacement of 46 power poles across the local network, the replacement and upgrade of overhead power lines, replacement and upgrade of electrical equipment in the Pearl Beach residential area, the installation of 5.3 kilometres of covered conductor to improve reliability, and tree trimming to maintain clearances from overhead electrical equipment.

"The work is needed to replace equipment on the local network, and we are also aiming to make the power supply more reliable for customers," said Mr Wilcox.

"As many as 60 per cent of unplanned interruptions on the network are caused by environmental factors, including trees of branches coming into contact with power lines.

"By using covered power lines in Pearl Beach, where there is significant bushland, we can reduce the number of these interruptions.

"We have discussed the work with the community and will be keeping them updated through newsletters and Ausgrid's Facebook page," said Mr Wilcox.

Media Release, 27 Jun 2011 Allyn Hamonet, Ausgrid