Transgrid crews have expedited reconstruction of the 3.5km storm-damaged transmission line near Broken Hill and are working to return the Far West region’s primary power supply as the NSW network operator extends its support to the community announcing $500,000 in grants.
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Broken Hill transmission line moves towards energisation as Transgrid extends community support
30 October 2024
Specialist crews from around Australia mobilised to stand seven emergency response towers. All high-voltage conductor has now been lifted into place, with work progressing on tensioning, securing and testing the line that supplies mains power to Far West NSW.
Transgrid is carrying out an inspection of the 250km transmission line from Broken Hill to Buronga and expects to return the line into service by Saturday, 2 November.
The large-scale backup generator has continued to provide uninterrupted supply to Broken Hill over the past five days, supported by the microgrid.
“This has been an exceptional effort by our entire Transgrid team here on the ground in Broken Hill and I would like to reiterate my thanks to everyone involved,” Head of Transgrid’s Far West Operations Response Sam Pickering said during the NSW Government’s Emergency Response Media Conference in Broken Hill today.
“In terms of what the community can expect, when the works and testing have been completed, the switchover to the transmission line will take place without interruption to the power supply here in Broken Hill.
“For some rural communities outside of Broken Hill that are currently being supplied by Essential Energy’s backup generation, we understand that Essential will need to conduct a planned outage to switch power from the portable generators to the main power supply and they will advise customers directly in advance.
“Looking forward to next steps, Transgrid is now planning for the installation of the permanent towers and the current additional backup generation will remain in place as added resilience to the Broken Hill grid.”
Transgrid has today announced $500,000 in new grants for community organisations and not-for-profit groups in impacted areas of Far West NSW, in addition to its $1.5 million contribution to the NSW Government’s community support package for local residents and businesses.
“We are incredibly grateful for the local community’s patience since the catastrophic weather event and the support they have shown our crews as we carry out the high-risk and complex emergency response work,” Mr Pickering said.
“Transgrid’s Community Partnerships Program which already operates in communities across Transgrid’s NSW network, provides grants to local not-for-profit organisations to fund a range of activities including improving community facilities and services.
“While we are currently focusing on the emergency response, we are also working to further support local communities impacted by this event.
“Transgrid will continue to work with the NSW and local governments, communities, and other key stakeholders to provide further support beyond the recovery period.
“I would like to finish by restating our sincere thanks to the Broken Hill community and surrounding regions for their ongoing patience and support,” he said.
The Community Partnerships Program for Far West NSW will launch next week.
Media enquiries: Mark Nolan 0429 047 136