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VOL. 15 NO. 81 July 2011

Print Post No. PP565001/00327

All enquiries phone: +61 7 5478 9432 Email Enquiries: apen@worldpacific.com.au Circulated to key personnel within all Power Utilities and Power Generators throughout Australia and New Zealand each issue

ROLLS ROYCE FOR CHANNEL ISLAND POWER STATION

Findings flawed in state comparisons of electricity networks Claim: Victorian electricity networks are more reliable than NSW.

Above: Ausgrid Managing Director George Maltabarow

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USGRID Managing Director George Maltabarow today said a report comparing interstate electricity networks was misleading, inaccurate and incorrect.

The report was released yesterday by the Energy Users Association of Australia – a group representing big businesses that consume the largest amount of electricity in Australia.

“It is misleading to simply compare electricity networks on a per customer basis,” Mr Maltabarow said.

“This is particularly the case, when you ignore significant factors like how much electricity is being used, differences in peak demand, the age of electricity networks and the size and density of the network areas.”

Mr Maltabarow said Ausgrid was focussing on efficiency in delivering its capital program.

He said he had invited the EUAA to sit down and discuss a more meaningful comparison of network operations.

Fact: The Australia Energy Regulator compared the reliability data in each state from 2000/01 to 2008/09 in its State of the Energy Market Report 2010. It shows that the average length of blackouts in Victoria has increased steadily since 2005/06. The same comparison shows that NSW is now performing better than Victoria – by about 10%.

Claim: Network electricity prices are more expensive in NSW than Victoria.

Fact: A household electricity bill is made of generation, network and retail components. The different components have different costs in different states. A comparison of the final household bill shows that a typical household in the Ausgrid network area pays one of the lowest regulated rates in the country. Only in the ACT are regulated rates cheaper.

Claim: Electricity networks are less efficient and cost more in NSW than in Victoria.

Fact: There are 700,000 more electricity customers in NSW than Victoria spread across an area that is three times the size. About 55 per cent more electricity is consumed in NSW than in Victoria, while the peak demand is 40 per cent higher. The network area is also bigger in NSW, requiring an extra one million electricity poles and 120,000 km of electricity wires.

Customer density is higher in Victoria than NSW or Queensland; this will always mean cheaper network costs.

About 34% of Ausgrid’s electricity assets are beyond their design life and so need to be replaced. Only three to five per cent of Victoria’s electricity network is in this category. Simply put, our network is older and therefore replacement costs come earlier.

That’s why $14.4billion is being invested in NSW distribution networks, compared to $4.7 billion in Victoria.

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“This report has averaged so much data, while ignoring external and environmental factors, that its conclusions are at best irrelevant,” Mr Maltabarow said.

“At worst, its findings are deliberately misleading.

“For example, the report ignores the fact that households and businesses in NSW and Queensland use more electricity than Victoria.

This is the biggest factor influencing the average amount each customer pays.

“It also averages the age of electricity networks in each state. This is a meaningless comparison. You can not operate major electricity assets based on an average of how old they are.

“If the electricity industry used this type of analysis, there would be major failures of equipment and networks would disintegrate beyond repair.

“Ausgrid is delivering one of Australia’s largest infrastructure programs and it is being driven by the need to replace large pieces of electrical infrastructure.

“About half of our large substations were built in the 1960s and 1970s. This equipment needs to be replaced.

“What’s most alarming about this report is that it suggests that this equipment should continue to operate, even though it is not safe to do so.”

Mr Maltabarow said the comparison in the report included large capital expenditure on projects that would take three to five year to complete.

“We’re paying for these projects now, but the reliability benefits are not included in the analysis in this report.”

Mr Maltabarow said both the state and federal regulator had warned against making these sorts of state by state comparisons because they produce misleading results.

“…regulated electricity prices vary with the location of a household due to different costs in buying and transporting electricity to customers in different locations.” (IPART draft report into retail electricity prices April 2011 p.66) “Differences in operating environments can result in significant variations in capital expenditure requirements.” (AER State of the Energy Market 2010 report p56) “…caution must be used when applying this analysis more broadly” (AER Final Decision into Victorian Distribution network service providers 2011-2015)

Entura announces new Managing Director

Above: Ms Tammy Chu

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YDRO TASMANIA CEO Roy Adair recently announced that Ms Tammy Chu has been appointed as the new Managing Director for its consulting business Entura.

Ms Chu has extensive managerial and business development experience in the consulting engineering industry within Australia and internationally.

Mr Adair said Ms Chu was selected for her proven leadership, experience and energy and will bring tremendous value to the Entura business.

Ms Chu has been employed with Hydro Tasmania for 10 years, most recently as a senior manager responsible for the development and operation of Entura’s services in the water and environment sector. Tam my’s previous positions have included technical, project management and business development roles.

Thermal property analysis.

Thermal resistivity testing of soil.

Testing of cable backfill material.

Design of cable bedding/backfill.

Cable route thermal surveys.

Phone: (02) 9737 9062 Web: www.geothermaust.com.au Page 2 - Australian Power & Energy News

Manager: Brett Hobson brett@geothermaust.com.au

“I am looking forward to leading Entura on the next stage of its growth as it expands its operations in the Asia-Pacific region,” Ms Chu said. “ We have a unique set of skills and experience to offer our clients and our focus will be to continue to deliver innovative energy and water solutions to our clients.”

Ms Chu succeeds Scott Baddiley, who has been appointed chief executive of the Tasmanian operations at accounting firm W H K.

Australian Power & Energy News - Page 3

Leighton Contractors Powers Up Channel Island

Rolls Royce For Channel Island Power Station

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OWER AND WATER CORPORATION, Northern Territory, provides electricity, water and sewerage services to over 80,000 customers across the Northern Territory - an area more than 1.3 million square kilometres. From the tropics of the north to the deserts of Central Australia our nearly 1000 staff members work in varied and often extreme environments to maintain services to customers.

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HANNEL ISLAND POWER STATION is the Power and Water Corporation’s (PWC) largest power plant in the Northern Territory. The power station has recently undergone a major upgrade to improve reliability of supply and increase the capacity of the Darwin-Katherine power system by 25 per cent.

In August last year, Leighton Contractors was engaged by PWC to carry out the civil works, installation of two 58MW Rolls Royce-built Trent 60 aero-derivative turbines and design, supply and construct the balance of plant. This latest upgrade is part of an ongoing investment in PWC’s network to allow maintenance of existing generation plant as well as meet the needs of an ever-expanding NT population.

PWC generates and distributes electricity throughout the Northern Territory, using gas, diesel and solar technologies to power major cities and remote communities spread across 1.3 million square kilometres.

Managing and maintaining such a vast outback network has its unique challenges.

Cyclones, severe storms, damage from trees and wildlife, especially flying foxes (bats) are all part of the landscape. It’s understandable that reliability of supply is often under threat.

Channel Island Power Station is no exception.

Located in Darwin Harbour’s Middle Arm, the project team had to contend with record breaking rainfall during the installation process.

However, despite the climatic interruptions the team managed to complete the installation of the Rolls Royce turbines in near record time.

This standard of efficiency comes as no surprise to Mark Chilcote, General Manager of Leighton Contractors’ Industrial & Energy Division.

According to Mark, “Our Power Generation team is proficient with an impressive track record in the successful completion of power generation developments. This is evident through our most recent projects, including Mt Stuart Power Station in Queensland, Newman Power Station in Western Australia and Quarantine Power Station in South Australia.”

The installation process proved to be a challenge at times, according to Leighton Contractor’s Project Manager, Peter Gibson.

“The installation process had its usual share of challenges, particularly where the weather was concerned and although not uncommon these days, the installation was conducted hand-in-hand with the design process. Having access to the design team meant that we could engineer solutions more efficiently to make the best of both design and function during the installation process.”

Leighton Contractors, a wholly owned subsidiary of Leighton Holdings Limited (ASX:LEI), is one of Australia’s leading contracting and project development groups with over $12.3 billion work in hand and employing more than 12,000 people across Australia and New Zealand. The company services clients across a range of industries and sectors including resources, construction, telecommunications, energy, infrastructure and facility management.

Two new Rolls Royce gas turbines are scheduled to start commercial operation at Channel Island Power Station in July and August 2011.

The $120 million project including gas and diesel fuel systems, waste water and power infrastructure has been installed during a record wet season setting a number of challenges for the project team.

The turbines are rated at 55MW each in Darwin’s tropical climate but will be run at 45MW. The units were purchased in March 2010 and installed in record time with commissioning underway in June 2011 and performance testing scheduled for August.

Channel Island is Power and Water’s largest power station with seven turbines installed.

Units 8 and 9 will provide additional generation required to allow essential maintenance to be carried out on other generating assets within the Power and Water fleet as well as helping meet peak demand, presently increasing at up to four per cent a year.

These units and associated infrastructure will be fully operational for the 2011 Build Up, traditionally the peak use time on the Darwin-Katherine system.

The gas supply is being installed and is expected to be ready for the commissioning process.

The back-up fuel (diesel) has already been commissioned and is available for start up of the plant.

The necessary extension of the existing 132kV switchyard is ready to be placed into service in preparation for the connection of the two new units.

Two Rolls Royce sets under construction, Power and Water Corporation, Northern Territory - May 2011 Page 4 - Australian Power & Energy News

More than you’d imagine...

We helped Power and Water Corporation to cater for growth in electricity demand on the Darwin – Katherine grid.

We’d like to congratulate our client Power and Water Corporation, on the successful expansion of the Channel Island Power Station on Darwin Harbour’s Middle Arm, that with the help of our Industrial & Energy Division, can cater for growth in electricity demand on the Darwin – Katherine grid.

Leighton Contractors. More than you’d imagine. www.leightoncontractors.com.au

Australian Power & Energy News - Page 5

ESI Field Days

>>>

A full wrap up of the recent ESI Field Days including all teams’ results

Safety event of the year a success in Wagga Wagga T

HE 2011 Electricity Supply Industry Field Days has been hailed a success in Wagga Wagga where professionals from across the electricity, water, mining and rail industries came together in the name of safety.

Essential Energy’s managing director, Terri Benson, said the event allowed realistic tests of day-to-day tasks that not only keep essential services supplied, but keep the public and energy workers safe.

“The Electricity Supply Industry Field Days has been a brilliant success with everyone getting into the spirit of things,” Terri said.

“From friendly rivalry in the challenges to the sharing of knowledge, developing ideas and sharpening existing skills and safe work practices, all participants have embraced the event.”

“Field crews, safety specialists and more have worked together over the past two days asking the question “how can we do things

better for our customers and for the safety of our people”.

The Field Days event featured hands-on activities for all attendees, team challenges, demonstrations, exhibitions and workshops.

Executive manager human resources and safety, Mark Mulligan, said participants had come from across NSW and interstate and had given positive reports about the changes made to this year’s event.

“This is the first time in five years Essential Energy has hosted the Field Days,” Mark said. “We changed things up this year – some of the practical tests were reborn, such as the Laneway Challenges –designed to simulate real life scenarios for crews.

“Rather than being a race against time, this year’s team challenges recognised teams that followed best practise guidelines in all the areas tested.”

First Aid Challenge

Fire Control Challenge

Ausgrid apprentices won the Fire Control safety - the team in action

Challengers faced a variety of tests in the First Aid Challenge (the Essential Energy team in action)

ESI Field Days 2011 Results Challenge Name

First

Second

Third

First Aid

Ausgrid

Macquarie Generation

Endeavour Energy

Fire Control

Endeavour Energy

Ausgrid

Essential Energy

Confined Spaces

Mines Rescue Service

Essential Water

Ausgrid

Environmental

Essential Energy

Ausgrid

Endeavour Energy

Heavy Fleet Individual Challenge

Ken Parkin

Paul Peterson

Paul Litchfield

High Voltage Switching

Railcorp

Essential Energy

Endeavour Energy

Pole Dressing

Essential Energy

Endeavour Energy

Railcorp

Low Voltage Live Line Cross Arm Change

Augrid

SP AusNet

Ergon Energy - Team 2

High Voltage (66kV) Live Line Insulator Change

Essential Energy

Ausgrid

Endeavour Energy

In Line Joint - Tech

Ausgrid

Essential Energy

N/A

In Line Joint Apprentice

Ausgrid

Railcorp

Endeavour Energy

Apprentice Wiring

Essential Energy

Railcorp - Team 1

Railcorp - Team 2

Electrical Technician Pillar and Meter

Endeavour Energy

Essential Energy

Ausgrid

High Voltage Terminations Padmount

Endeavour Energy

Essential Energy

N/A

Manual Handling

Ergon Energy - Team 1

Ergon Energy - Team 2

Essential Energy

Risk Assessment Richard Teale Memorial Trophy

Ergon Energy HV Switching - Team 1

N/A

N/A

Page 6 - Australian Power & Energy News

ESI Field Days

A full wrap up of the recent ESI Field Days including all teams’ results

>>>

New tools and techniques fly high F

ROM ergonomic ladder racks to new types of switch gear, there was something for everyone in the ESI Field Days’ exhibition space.

Field Days Project Manager, Tom Dwyer, said two of the most popular demonstrations at the event demonstrated how new technology is taking the industry to great heights.

“We were fortunate enough to arrange demonstrations of pole standing using a helicopter, and this proved to be one of the most successful of the event, with crowds gathering to watch the technique,” Tom said.

“Also in the air was the helicopter’s little brother – the drone – which is a remote controlled device that can be used to inspect the lines from above.

“This year, we had a huge array of different technology and demonstrations at the Field Days – and many exhibitors have already expressed interest in attending next year’s event, which is a great result.”

Essential Energy’s Regional General Manager Southern, David Nardi, was on deck at the field days

An Essential Energy team takes part in the challenges

Alan hangs up his safety boots

Challengers at the 2011 Electricity Supply Industry Field Days braved the elements in a true test of everyday work practises. Essential Energy’s Scott Waterson and Marty Bahr are pictured putting their skills to the test in the Laneway Challenge

Field Days founder, Alan Burman, retires after almost three decades with Essential Energy

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S a driving force in the establishment of the ESI Field Days more than 20 years ago, it was fitting that Essential Energy’s Manager Public Safety, Alan Burman, announced his retirement to delegates at the 2011 Field Day event in Wagga Wagga recently.

Frank Irilli from Clipsal presents the Essential Energy Apprentices with their Apprentice Wiring trophy, (L-R) Tom Dwyer, Michael Marland, Peter McGivney, Frank Irilli (Clipsal) and Steven Dennis

A reptile expert was on hand to show the safest way to deal with venomous snakes

Alan said his decision to retire after 27 years on the job had been extremely difficult.

“It’s been an exciting career and I’ve had the privilege to work with some really great people,” Alan said. “They will be what I miss most.”

“It’s also been rewarding to see the great progress in our safety performance, but that’s no reason to become complacent – not until we can say we’ve gone 10 million man-hours without a lost time injury can we say that we are getting to the place we should be.”

Well respected for his diligent service to the energy industry, Alan’s dedication and commitment to safety in the workplace has seen his career grow from his initial position with the Southern Tablelands County Council as their first Safety Officer, to the position of Manager Public Safety that he held on retirement in June.

Alan’s work was recognised by the prestigious NSW WorkCover SafeWork Awards in 2009 when he received the Best individual contribution to workplace health and safety award.

Essential Energy’s Executive Manager Safety and Human Resources, Mark Mulligan, said Alan had always put the safety of the public and of employees as his first priority.

“He went about his work in a positive and collaborative fashion that enabled him to achieve industry wide reform with initiatives like ‘mud flap’ style power line markers,” Mark said.

“Alan’s design made them easier and more cost effective to install and they were also easier to see by agricultural aircraft and other equipment operators.

“This simple but breakthrough product has no doubt saved many lives to date and will continue to for years to come – what a great legacy to leave behind.”

Alan’s retirement plans include touring around Australia and playing with his ‘bigboy toys’ on his property, or ‘playground’, near Goulburn.

Australian Power & Energy News - Page 7

ESI Field Days

>>>

A full wrap up of the recent ESI Field Days including all teams’ results

ESI-2011 NSW Field Days Exhibitor Awards a Close Call

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DJUDICATORS of the much sort after ESI-2011 NSW Field Days Exhibitor Awards had their work cut out coming up with the final decisions for the winning products.

Consequently, the final decisions were not unanimous, but a majority result in both categories was eventually achieved.

One adjudicator remarked this was by far one of the best collections of interesting

products they had seen in the one place for a long time.

The ESI-2011 NSW Field Days Exhibitor Awards were sponsored by The Australian Power & Energy News (APEN) and Exhibition Managers Rentara and presented

by APEN publisher Mr Tom Cook.

The winners for both categories were –

Best Product on Display – won by EDS / Kaon Electric for their Kaon FuseSaver product.

The Milford Industries team of Erin Carter and Greg Spooner receiving congratulations on winning the Best Safety Product on Display award from APEN publisher Tom Cook and Exhibition Manager Errol Dunn of Rentara

WINNER 2011 BEST PRODUCT ON DISPLAY NSW Electricity Supply Industry Field Day

Best Safety Product on Display - won by Milford Industries for their ErgoRack Ladder Rack.

Both category winners received a $6,000 advertising voucher from the Australian Power & Energy News plus a trophy from Rentara.

For further details on the winning products please contact, EDS / Kaon on 61 7 3231 5610 and Milford Industries on 61 8 8377 6900.

Kevin O’Hare of Kaon Electric responding to award presentation

APEN publisher Tom Cook presenting the Best Product on Display award to the EDS/ Kaon Fuse Saver Team of Mark Brown Managing Director EDS (foreground) and Kevin O’Hare, Director Kaon Electric

KAON FUSESAVER the most cost effective way of protecting medium voltage spur lines

Up to 80% of blown fuses are caused by transient faults.

The KAON FuseSaver is a self-powered vacuum circuit breaker that protects EDO fuses from transient faults.

How does it work?

The Kaon FuseSaver detects and clears a fault in less time than it takes for the fuse to melt, then automatically closes again restoring power to the line if the fault was transient. If the fault was permanent, it remains closed and allows the fuse to blow. The KAON FuseSaver has optional wireless communication and event logging features that provide useful data to network operators.

Australian utilities lead the way In the past six months, almost every Australian utility has either ordered FuseSavers or launched a field trial. 12kV units are being manufactured for Energex, Essential Energy, AusGrid and Endeavour Energy, whilst 24kV units are destined for Power & Water Corporation, Jemena & Horizon Power.

Launched in US The KAON FuseSaver has gone global! Our recent launch into the US market has resulted in eight utilities assessing the KAON FuseSaver. Utilities from Ireland, the Isle of Man and South Africa are also pursuing the KAON FuseSaver, with some already committed to trial. New Zealand’s Powerco is planning its FuseSaver trial. Australian innovation is meeting the needs of the world’s electricity networks in the 21st century!

Contact Us KAON Electric Pty Ltd +61 7 3133 1411 sales@kaonelectric.com www.kaonelectric.com Page 8 - Australian Power & Energy News

AEM1

World’s largest solar integration with a coal-fired power station gets go ahead

HE Commonwealth Government and Queensland Government have given the green light to one of the world’s largest solar projects, announcing today that approval had been given for the $104.7 million Kogan Creek Solar Boost Project.

CS Energy’s 750 megawatt coal-fired Kogan Creek Power Station near Chinchilla in South West Queensland will soon become home to a 44 megawatt solar thermal addition representing the largest solar project in the Southern Hemisphere and the world’s largest solar integration with a coalfired power station.

CS Energy Chief Executive, David Brown, said the innovative solar project represents one of the most significant investments to date in solar thermal technology and is part of CS Energy’s commitment to producing cleaner electricity from existing coal-fired power stations.

“Already Kogan Creek Power Station is one of the largest and most energy efficient power stations in Australia’s electricity market,” Mr

Brown said.

“By using energy from the sun, we will increase the station’s capacity to meet the growing demand for electricity, increase its fuel efficiency and reduce its greenhouse intensity – avoiding the production of 35,600 tonnes of greenhouse gases annually.”

The Kogan Creek Solar Boost Project will increase the amount of electricity generated by up to 44 megawatts during peak solar conditions, providing an additional 44,000 megawatt hours of electricity per year.

“In simple terms, the solar addition will enable Kogan Creek Power Station to produce more electricity with the same amount of coal,” Mr Brown said.

“Projects like this are essential for CS Energy to successfully transition to a lowcarbon future and will build the capacity of the Australian solar industry.”

The project will use AREVA Solar’s Australianpioneered compact linear fresnel reflector (CLFR) technology to supply additional steam to the power

Steam Pipes

Steam Pipes

Solar Panels

Award Winning Milford ErgoRack The award winning Milford ErgoRack™ makes loading and unloading ladders safe, convenient and ergonomically friendly for fleet and commercial use.

Milford ErgoRack™ is the only safe way to ROCK UP AND RACK OFF, REAL FAST! NSW Electricity Supply Industry Field Days ‘Best Safety Product on Display Award’.

ergorack.com.au

ergorack.com.au

MIL0481

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station’s turbine, supplementing the conventional coal-fired steam generation process.

The technology uses heat from the sun to convert water to steam with zero emissions.

It is the most land-efficient solar technology, generating 1.5 to 2.6 times more peak power per acre of land than competing solar technologies and is the only CLFR provider to supply superheated steam which has specific application to the power generation market.

The Kogan Creek Power Station is located near Chinchilla in south west Queensland.

“The location is ideally suited for a solar thermal system due to the good levels of solar insolation, or more simply the amount of sunshine, in the region,” Mr Brown said.

The solar power will also be generated directly into the electricity transmission grid to power homes and businesses.

Up to 120 jobs will be created during the project’s peak construction period with AREVA building and operating a local manufacturing facility to support the project.

Construction on the Kogan Creek Solar Boost Project is scheduled to commence in the first half of 2011.

Australian Power & Energy News - Page 9

Households power grid, cut hot water bills with Fuel Cells U P to 25 Newcastle households will help power the electricity grid using low emission, gas-fired fuel cells as part of the Australian Government’s Smart Grid, Smart City project.

Ausgrid has signed an agreement with Ceramic Fuel Cells Ltd for the provision of 25 BlueGen units, which convert natural gas into electricity.

This is one of the biggest orders received by Ceramic Fuel Cells Ltd, an Australian company, and this innovative fuel cell technology is also being used in Ausgrid’s Smart Home in Newington, as well as in Germany and Japan.

Ausgrid Managing Director George Maltabarow said the fuel cells were part of a trial to see whether adding distributed generation like fuel cells can make the grid more efficient by flattening out peaks in electricity demand.

“If we can even out peaks on electricity networks using this sort of technology, it could reduce the need to build costly generation infrastructure like peaking plants in the future,” Mr Maltabarow said.

“Electricity produced by fuel cells has less than half the greenhouse gas emissions of coal-fired electricity so it’s a less carbon intensive way to help power homes and the grid.”

“We also want to see how this technology could help households manage their energy use and costs.

“An added benefit of fuel cells is the waste heat produced by the fuel cell also produces hot water for the home. “This means households participating in the trial will save around $150 a year on their electricity bills by receiving hot water from the fuel cell.”

The fuel cell is an enclosed metal box the size of a dishwasher. While producing electricity from natural gas, the fuel cell also produces excess heat.

This heat, which would otherwise go to waste, is captured and delivered to a household hot water

SP AusNet supports business excellence in Cardinia

Pictured: (from left) Cardinia Shire Mayor, Cr George Blenkhorn, SP AusNet Network Services Representative Ron Tucker alongside the winners of the SP AusNet Property, Trades and Construction category Str8line Landscaping and Cr Collin Ross

system.

Each fuel cell can produce up to 13,000 kWh of electricity in a year which is enough electricity to power two typical homes (a typical household in Ausgrid’s network area uses around 6,600 kWh).

Ausgrid will write to selected households in Newcastle in the coming weeks to invite them to participate.

Households will be selected based on technical assessments of the local electricity network, whether they have gas connected and space to install the fuel cell (1.5 square meters outside, near the hot water system).

For the first 18 months of the two-year trial, the fuel cells will be connected to supply the grid. For the last six months, participating households will be given the option to have their home powered by the fuel cell.

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ICTORIAN energy provider SP AusNet has recognised some of Cardinia Shire’s finest businesses at the annual Cardinia Shire Business Awards on Friday 20 May 2011.

SP AusNet’s Senior Network Services Representative Ron Tucker, said SP AusNet has sponsored the Cardinia Shire Business Awards since 2009 and is proud to help celebrate Cardinia’s local business excellence, innovation, development and success.

“The SP AusNet Property, Trades and Construction category saw a number of highly acclaimed local businesses nominated for their outstanding contribution to the local community over the past 12 months,” said Mr Tucker.

The judges awarded Str8line Landscaping as triumphant, citing the company’s adoption of its Associations’ principles and practices, implementation of a professional development program and their use of well documented processes.

Other finalists included Benher Signs and Eliminator Pest Control Mr Tucker said SP AusNet is Cardinia Shire’s local electricity provider and delivers electricity to over 600,000 homes and businesses in the north and east of Victoria.

“SP AusNet is committed to supporting the communities in which it operates and each year sponsors a number of localised initiatives that have wide-reaching positive benefits for those communities,” said Mr Tucker.

testo 350 – the first flue gas analyzer which thinks ahead!

Testo AG launches a flue gas analyzer with innovative instrument concept and easy operation onto the market

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HE measurement technology specialist Testo AG has developed a new portable flue gas analyzer which guides the user safely through professional flue gas analysis, thanks to useful instrument pre-settings. The testo 350 is used, for example, in commissioning, maintenance and operative measurements on industrial burners, industrial engines, gas turbines or flue gas scrubber systems, as well as in the measurement of the gas atmosphere in a furnace room or in kilns.

In addition to this, the testo 350 supports in the control and monitoring of officially prescribed emission limit values in flue gas, and in function tests on stationary emission measuring instruments.

Innovative instrument concept and easy operation Depending on the requirement, the testo 350 consists of a control unit, an analyzer box and a gas sampling probe. Using the removable control unit or in direct connection to a PC or laptop (USB or Bluetooth® 2.0), the analyzer box can be easily operated. The transfer of measurement data is therefore possible even when the exhaust gas flue and the adjustment site are spatially separated. This is especially helpful, for example, when dealing with industrial burners. After easy configuration of the measurement procedure by the user, the analyzer box carries out the measurements automatically and stores the measurement values.

The measurement values are clearly presented in the large, colour graphic display of the control unit (3.5“, 240 x 320).

Users can freely configure various measurement objects such as burners, gas turbines or industrial engines. In the display, typical fuels as well as an expedient order of the flue gas parameters are presented for each of these measurement objects. In addition to this, calculations and instrument presettings are stored. Useful information in the display always guides the user safely through the measurement. This allows the flue gas analyzer to be easily operated without previous knowledge of the instrument. The work steps leading up to the start of the measurement are Page 10 - Australian Power & Energy News

reduced – testo 350 is the first flue gas analyzer which thinks ahead!

Industrial standard thanks to robust design Inherently closed cooling loops isolate the entire instrument electronics as well as the gas sensors from dirt from the surrounding air. This optimum protection ensures the analyzer can be used even in tough surroundings. Downtimes due to instrument contamination are thus almost completely eliminated thanks to this intelligent design and robustness.

The plug connections for the gas sampling probes and database cable are locked using a bayonet fitting and are thus securely attached to the analyzer box. This hinders unintentional removal avoiding measurement errors.

Cost and time savings Thanks to the selection of the measurement objects in the display as well as the carrying out of measurement procedures, faster routine work is possible in daily applications – supported also by the new colour graphic display. The service opening on the underside of the instrument allows fast access to all relevant serviceable and wearing parts such as pumps and filters. This means users can carry out cleaning, maintenance and replacement directly on site. This reduces service times and maintenance costs.

Concrete poles secure energy supply to NSW far south coast

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OCLA recently supplied spun concrete poles for a new electricity transmission line on the far south coast of New South Wales.

Essential Energy (formerly Country Energy) is currently completing multiple electricity network reliability projects across NSW, including major network upgrades on the South Coast and in the Bega Valley region.

A major part of the works is the replacement of an existing 33,000 volt transmission line network between Bega and Eden with a 66,000 volt system.

The new line, which is being installed by PowerServe, will further enhance the security

of the network in the southern area of the Bega Valley, including Merimbula, Pambula, Tura Beach, South Pambula and the area around Eden.

Essential Energy is committed to providing the Bega Valley region with a robust electricity network to meet the long term future needs of the growing area.

Independent consultants were engaged to provide a route corridor for the line that would minimise the potential effects on residents and businesses, while meeting the environmental, engineering and construction constraints.

The route is designed to fit where possible within the existing power line corridors to minimise inconvenience to the community.

Rocla delivered more than 300 poles to nominated storage areas well ahead of the required project timing. Pole lengths were 21 and 24 metres, with ultimate strengths up to 80kN. All poles were manufactured to standard Essential Energy concrete transmission pole specifications, which were developed in conjunction with Rocla.

Australian Power & Energy News - Page 11

New Substation ENERGEX Commissionings Massive Gold Coast power project switched on

$12 million power upgrade for Brisbane’s outer north

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NERGEX has flicked the switch on one of the Gold Coast’s largest electricity upgrades which will boost power supplies directly or indirectly to more than 12,000 homes and businesses.

After more than two years of construction at one of the city’s busiest intersections, technicians have completed the electrical works at ENERGEX’s new $29.5 million Merrimac substation.

Some fencing and landscaping works are ongoing, however the power supplies in the area are now flowing through the building at the corner of Nerang-Broadbeach Road and Bermuda Street, adjacent to the Merrimac soccer fields.

The upgrade will greatly enhance the electricity supply for homes and businesses in parts of Merrimac, Clear Island Waters, Broadbeach, Broadbeach Waters, Carrara, Benowa, Robina, Mudgeeraba, Worongary, Mermaid Waters, Mermaid Beach, Miami and Varsity Lakes.

ENERGEX South Coast Asset Manager Gary Madigan said demand for electricity in the central Gold Coast area had been increasing at between five and seven per cent in recent years – a rate well above national trends.

“The Gold Coast is one of the fastest growing parts of ENERGEX’s South East Queensland distribution area with an average of more than 100 new houses, units and commercial premises connecting to the local electricity network every week,” said Mr Madigan.

“Domestic power use – especially at peak times – has risen on average around 50 to 70 per cent in the past 10 years due in the main to a rapid take up of electricity hungry lifestyle products such as affordable home air-conditioning, larger televisions and other energy intensive household products.

“This domestic energy use, combined with rising commercial and industrial power consumption, means it is essential that ENERGEX continues to provide a safe and reliable electricity supply that meets community expectations.

“To meet this massive growth, in the past five years ENERGEX has spent more than $550 million upgrading the region’s electricity network.”

A range of other major projects currently underway or recently completed on the Coast include a $35 million upgrade of power supplies between Molendinar and Bundall, a major $8.2 million extension of the ENERGEX substation at Mudgeeraba, a new $16 million substation at Pimpama, a $6 million expansion of the Gaven substation and a $2.3 million upgrade to power supplies in Nerang.

Early planning and significant design work was undertaken to ensure the new Merrimac substation addressed a number of environmental, town planning, engineering and social considerations.

Major electricity equipment has been enclosed inside the substation and all powerlines and cabling to the building are underground. This work also involved removing two existing overhead towers near the substation along Bermuda Street.

Mr Madigan said a key feature of the new substation was to reduce the existing electricity demand on current ENERGEX substations at Robina, Broadbeach, Miami and Varsity Lakes.

ENERGEX thanked residents and motorists for their patience during the necessary upgrades to the local electricity network.

The project is part of a record $5 billion-plus, five-year capital expenditure program being undertaken by ENERGEX. In the 2010-11 financial year ENERGEX, South East Queensland’s electricity distributor, is investing around $1.02 billion on upgrades to its electricity network while a further $342 million-plus has been set aside to maintain and operate the network – that’s an overall average of more than $3.7 million a day.

ENERGEX commences Bay Island power upgrade

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ORE than 3,500 homes and businesses on the southern Moreton Bay islands will benefit from ENERGEX’s recently commenced Russell Island Substation.

Once complete, the $8.8 million Centre Road facility will bolster power supplies to communities on Russell, Macleay, Karragarra and Lamb Islands while allowing for future commercial and domestic growth.

According to ENERGEX’s Asset Manager Metro South David Wise the new substation will also provide a more reliable electricity supply to the bay islands while in many cases allowing ENERGEX staff to restore power faster after storms and other wild weather.

“In the past the Southern Bay Islands’ power has been supplied by two very long 11,000 volt powerlines from the Staplyton Substation on the mainland and North Stradbroke Island,” he said.

“Over the years electricity consumption on the islands has increased significantly placing additional pressure on these powerlines during peak periods in the summer and winter.

“This new substation will tap directly into the 110,000 volt powerlines that feed North Stradbroke giving the southern bay islands a much more stable injection of power.”

“It will also allow ENERGEX technicians to redivert and restore power faster after unexpected interruptions caused by wild weather.

“The substation will allow much of this power restoration to be conducted remotely where in the past locals had to wait for ENERGEX crews to physically land on the island to locate the fault and restore supply.”

Mr Wise thanked local island residents for their patience and support during the upgrade with work expected to be completed by mid 2012.

Page 12 - Australian Power & Energy News

ORE than 26,000 homes and businesses in Brisbane’s outer northern suburbs will benefit from a $12 million upgrade to the region’s power network.

ENERGEX crews recently completed stage one of the project, which included the construction of a new electricity substation on Old Gympie Road at Burpengary.

Work will now commence the second stage of the project – a 33,000 volt powerline to link the new substation with the Deception Bay Substation.

ENERGEX Asset Manager Tim Hart said the upgrades to the power network would benefit homes and businesses in Burpengary, Deception Bay, Morayfield and Narangba, increasing the power network capacity and improving reliability.

“Brisbane’s outer north is continuing to experience strong residential and commercial growth, particularly around the Burpengary area,” he said.

“At the same time, the electricity consumption of most homes and businesses is rising rapidly, particularly on hot summer afternoons and cold

winter mornings, which is adding to increasing peak electricity demand.

“The new substation at Burpengary and powerline linking the substation to existing infrastructure in the area will ensure we can continue to meet the region’s increasing demand for electricity.

“Importantly, the upgrade will also allow ENERGEX crews to restore power quicker if unexpected interruptions occur due to events such as severe storms.”

ENERGEX thanked local residents and motorists for their patience during these necessary upgrades.

The project is part of a record $5 billionplus, five-year capital expenditure program being undertaken by ENERGEX. In the 2010-11 financial year ENERGEX, South East Queensland’s electricity distributor, is investing around $1.02 billion on upgrades to its electricity network while a further $342 million-plus has been set aside to maintain and operate the network – that’s an overall average of more than $3.7 million a day.

ENERGEX starts $5 million upgrade at Runcorn

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NERGEX has commenced work on a $5 million upgrade to the company’s Runcorn substation on the corner of Abercorn Street and Bonemill Road.

Once complete the work will increase the reliability of power supply to approximately 11,000 homes and business in Runcorn, Eight Mile Plains, Karawatha, Stretton, Sunnybank and Sunnybank Hills.

The upgrade will involve the replacement of two transformers, the installation of supporting electrical equipment and relocation of several underground cables, which according to ENERGEX’s Asset Manager for Metro South David Wise will ensure electricity supplies continue to meet the area’s energy demand.

“Energy consumption is increasing amongst the residents served by the Runcorn substation, with an estimated 45 per cent of households regarded as high to very high energy consumers,” he said.

“Domestic power use – especially at peak times – has risen on average around 50 to 70 per cent in the past 10 years due in the main to a rapid take up of electricity hungry lifestyle products such as affordable home air-conditioning, larger televisions and other energy intensive household products.

“This domestic energy use, combined with rising commercial and industrial power consumption, means it is essential that ENERGEX continues to provide a safe and reliable electricity supply that meets community expectations.”

Homes and businesses are not expected to experience power interruptions during the upgrade with the majority of works contained within the substation site. Heavy vehicles will be operating at the site and partial road and footpath closures may occur with the assistance of traffic control.

The project is expected to be complete by late 2012 and Mr Wise thanked local residents, businesses owners and motorists in advance for their patience while the necessary upgrades take place.

The project is part of a record $5 billionplus, five-year capital expenditure program being undertaken by ENERGEX. In the 2010-11 financial year ENERGEX, South East Queensland’s electricity distributor, is investing around $1.02 billion on upgrades to its electricity network while a further $342 million-plus has been set aside to maintain and operate the network – that’s an overall average of more than $3.7 million a day.

New Substation Commissionings Eastern suburbs electricity supply replacement

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HE electrical fit out of a major substation in Rose Bay has begun and civil construction is expected to be complete in August.

Two 50MVA transformers will be delivered to The Avenue, Rose Bay site in June and will be installed along with modern high voltage equipment like 132,000 Volt and 11,000 Volt switchgear, to help secure the local electricity supply.

About 150 builders, electrical fitters and testers, cable jointers and protection technicians will have worked on this important piece of electrical infrastructure when it is complete.

Ausgrid General Manager Transmission, Trevor Armstrong said the new $23 million zone substation was expected to be powering about 14,000 local homes and businesses by the end of 2012.

“This new substation will replace older equipment on the adjacent site,” Mr Armstrong said.

“The existing substation was commissioned in 1964 and has served local homes and business

well over the years, but it is now time to retire that equipment.

First built in 1924, the existing substation was used for the Eastern Suburbs tramways, before Sydney County Council acquired it for electricity supply purposes 40 years later.

“The new substation will house modern equipment, ready to meet the needs of residents and business in Bellevue Hill, Bondi Beach, Dover Heights, North Bondi, Rose Bay, Vaucluse and Watsons Bay,” Mr Armstrong said.

New underground cables will be installed between Surry Hills and Rose Bay to provide power to the substation.

The final route for these cables is yet to be determined, however, they will link the Rose Bay substation to the underground cable tunnel network in Sydney’s CBD. The Rose Bay substation is part of Ausgrid’s $1.3 billion investment in the electricity network in Sydney’s CBD and Eastern Suburbs between 2009 and 2014.

Rose Bay Substation

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S a manufacturer of electrical switchgear since 1964, Tamco Electrical Industries Australia Pty Ltd manufactures an extensive range of switchgear for a variety of applications. Based in Dandenong, Victoria, Tamco has an international presence with sister companies in Malaysia and Indonesia, both of which also operate manufacturing facilities.

It’s a design and development power base that ensures that Tamco Australia is always at the top of its game whether through its own product strategy and manufacturing capability or the enhancement through imports from sister companies.

Primarily, Tamco Australia manufacturers a range of low voltage motor control centres and main switchboards, as well as 11kV & 22kV AIS switchboards and 33kV GIS switchboards.

The range also includes protection and control panels and the company supplies its product to various utilities throughout Australia.

Tamco has played a fundamental role in the evolution of switchgear technology over the last 40 years and it’s understandable that a company with such a wealth of experience remains at the forefront in the supply of electrical support for the utility sector. It’s something the company does extremely well and one of the reasons why Tamco Australia is Ausgrid’s preferred supplier under contract since 2006.

Tamco Australia has been supplying 11kV VHIH Indoor Metalclad withdrawable vacuum switchgear for Ausgrid’s 11kV Zone Substation network under that period contract as well as providing supervision services for Ausgrid

Crews on target to power up major Balgowlah substation

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major substation for Balgowlah is expected to be powered up by mid-year, after the installation of three large zone transformers and state-of-the-art protection equipment.

The $30 million zone substation in Quirk Road is expected to be commissioned by midyear year and will supply power to more than 8,000 homes and businesses in Balgowlah, Clontarf, Fairlight, Manly and Seaforth.

Ausgrid General Manager Transmission Trevor Armstrong said more than 40 protection technicians, cable jointers, electrical fitters and testers had helped build and fit out this important piece of electrical infrastructure over the past 18 months.

“The two year design for the project was necessary to help protect local bushland and waterways,” Mr Armstrong said.

“We’re currently installing high voltage underground power cables along a six kilometre route that will connect the new substation with a major supply point in Warringah.

“As part of that work, we built a special cable bridge over Manly Creek so we didn’t need to North Balgowlah Substation

TAMCO Switchgear Control is Proven and Diverse during the installation process.

In particular, the equipment supplied and installed at the Balgowlah substation consisted of 2000A Double Busbar switchboards with an AFLR IAC rating. The switchboard features 4 x 2000A Transformer panels complete with or without VTs, 6 x 630A Single Feeder panels, 8 x 800A Double Feeder panels and 2 x 2000A Bus Tie panels. In total a 20-panel 2000A Double Busbar switchboard has been successfully supplied, installed and commissioned.

Switchboards for Rose Bay, Gwawley Bay and Maitland substations are either currently in transit or at various stages of installation; all models feature a similar arrangement of switchboard.

Tamco Australia is also responsible for local administration, marketing, sales, project management, support and purchasing of the complete range of Tamco MV Switchgear, transportable switchrooms and related products, including a range of power and distribution transformers.

The company continues to develop an extensive range of switchgear to respond to the diverse requirements of a variety of industry sectors. Tamco Australia can also fully customise portable switchrooms and provide control room solutions whether it’s a K5000 Motor Control Centre or 33kV gas insulated switchgear. As further proof of the extraordinary and diverse capability of Tamco Australia, its products are installed in gold mines, gas plants, telephone exchanges, airports, and water treatment and materials handling plants all round the world.

Ausgrid

excavate near the historic Sloan Bridge. We also avoided working near a small section of River-Flat Eucalypt forest.

“Local bushland groups made it clear that they wanted these areas protected while we went about our work.

“It’s also been an important training ground for a team of apprentices who have helped with wiring switchgear, and fitting out the new substations protection panels.”

The final electrical fit out of the substation is continuing, including the installation of more than five kilometres of 11,000 Volt cables that will transport power from the substation to the local electricity network.

Once complete the North Balgowlah zone substation will replace the existing Balgowlah zone substation.

A new 33,000 Volt underground cable link will also be established to form an extra backup supply and allow more flexibility into the Northern Beaches electricity network.

The work is part of a $300 million investment in the Northern Beaches electricity network from 2009 to 2014.

The Switchgear Specialist “Proud supplier of 11kV Air Insulated Switchgear to Ausgrid” Tamco has been in the business of electrical switchgear since 1964, with manufacturing facilities in Australia, Malaysia and Indonesia. Tamco’s products are installed in gold mines, gas plants, telephone exchanges, airports, and water treatment and materials handling plants all round the world.

As part of the Larsen & Toubro Limited group of companies, Tamco Australia’s extensive range of switchgear continues to meet the diverse needs of industry today. Whatever the application - whether it’s a Motor Control Centre, Gas Insulated or Air Insulated Switchgear, or a fully customised portable switchroom turnkey project – our experienced team of industry professionals is committed to delivering technically and commercially competitive solutions.

That’s why Tamco is The Switchgear Specialist.

Tamco Electrical Industries Australia Pty Ltd 31 Kitchen Road Dandenong Vic 3175 Phone 03 9706 7288 Fax 03 9706 9112 Email sales@tamcoaustralia.com.au Web www.tamcoaustralia.com.au Australian Power & Energy News - Page 13

Next Gen Multi-function Earth Testers now accepted T

HE NEW AEMC 6471 with its Australian designed and manufactured kit, identified as the 6471AU is now gaining acceptance by major utilities.

The increased benefits of the 6471AU kit include: • 25% lower investment • Faster measuring time • Increased measuring range in stakeless mode • 4-metre heavy duty cables to reach test points on pole substations • Insulation piercing test points to eliminate damage to covered conductors • Automatic determination of soil resistivity in Ohm-metres • Memory, DataView software & USB port for recording & downloading of test results Most utilities and major contractors have recognised the unique cost and time saving benefits of multi-function Earth Testers.

The significant benefit these instruments provide is to measure the earth resistance of almost any distribution substation whist it is in service and carrying full load current. This is achieved by providing both Selective and Stakeless methods of measurement which eliminates the requirement to disconnect or isolate any of the earth bonds. Each test method has its own unique application for the type and location of the substation being tested.

automatically. All the user has to do is enter the stake spacing and the instrument will return the result directly on Ohm-metres.

As with earth resistance measurements, the results of soil resistivity can be stored in memory and downloaded to spreadsheet for later analysis.

The AEMC 6471AU with many of the accessories which can be optioned to suit local requirements

with special leads to allow the instrument to remain on the ground and be connected to test points 3-4 metres above. The kits, while functional, require special cables to extend the manufacturer’s standard cables to 4 metres. The additional connectors required add to the bulk and are another item to be maintained.

Special Kits Developed for Local Utilities Working closely with major Australian Electricity Distributors has led to the development of unique kits each designed to meet the local work practices, OH&S, the type of substations, and the terrain where they are used.

Most special kits are based on a standard multi-function earth tester and kitting it up

Reduce Planned Outages The AEMC 6471 with the standard Australian accessories can measure the earth resistance of most distribution substations in service.

The Selective and Stakeless methods allow

measurement of city and rural pole subs, SWER substations and most padmount type substations without isolation or any disconnection.

Significant time saving is achieved and planned outages are minimised.

Automatic Soil Resistivity Calculation Previous generation earth testers required Soil Resistivity to be derived mathematically by the user from a resistance method. This required a either a scientific calculator or a PC running Excel to calculate each measurement. The new AEMC 6471 performs the complex mathematics

High Current Resistance Measurements Many applications of low resistance measurement require a test current greater than the traditional 10Amps.

Measurement of busbar joints and circuit breaker contacts is recommended to be done with a current approximating the normal load current of the equipment. Typically test currents from 200 to 600 Amps are preferred.

Measurement of the winding resistance of large transformers and motors can be achieved faster with a test current between 20 and 60 Amps. The higher current will saturate the core and reach stability faster than a low current. On very large equipment, a 10 Amp instrument may never reach stability and fluctuating readings will occur.

In the past high current Ohmmeters were unbelievably heavy, with some tipping the scales at over 30kg! Carrying these into difficult locations could introduce some OH&S issues. DV-Power of Sweden offer a large range of high current microohmmeters and winding ohmmeters weighing from just 8kg!

MicroOhmmeters

Above: RMO600G in new resin case

Right: RMO600A in traditional aluminium case

The DV-Power RMO-T series Transformer Ohmmeter are available in 6 models with test currents adjustable from 5mA to 10, 20, 25, 40, 60 and now 100 Amps.

All RMO-T series are dual channel to enable the primary and secondary windings to be measured and displayed simultaneously. After test the windings are automatically discharged to remove the hazardous voltage from the windings.

The new RMO60TD now includes demagnetising by applying an AC current of decreasing magnitude to the transformer at the conclusion of the test.

The RMO60T includes an on-load tap-changer control to enable dynamic resistance values to be measured. This function is optional on the RMO40T. On Load Tap Changers The RMO40T and 60T can be used to measure the winding resistance of individual taps on a power transformer’s tap changer. It can also check whether the on-load tap changer (OLTC) switches without interruption. The moment a tap changers position is changed, the RMO detects a sudden very short drop in current. The magnitude of the ripple is used to determine a correctly functioning tap changer from a malfunctioning one. The tap-change control on the RMO allows the operator to control the ONTC from the instrument.

Using the optional current clamp to measure resistance with both sides earthed

Changes in Test Current Ripple are indicated during transitions

Right: The DVPower RMO-T series

Left: Burnt contacts detected by dynamic resistance measurement

Built for our Rugged Environment It is a fact that earth testers are often used under harsh conditions, frequently in dust or rain. The AEMC 6471 is built for the rugged environment of earth testing. The case is heavy duty resin moulded and is weatherproof when closed. It needs no further protection but is supplied with a heavy duty canvas bag to keep the instrument and all accessories together in a convenient kit.

The new AEMC 6471 with its Australian designed and manufactured kit, identified as the 6471AU is now gaining acceptance by major utilities.

DV-Power 3-Phase Ratiometer

Transformer Ohmmeters – Now with Demagnetiser!

Page 14 - Australian Power & Energy News

Pacific Test Equipment Field Kit The AEMC 6471 is supplied with the exclusive Pacific Test Equipment field kit which has been designed in consultation with Australian users.

Key benefit of the Pacific Test Equipment kit is the winding of the long leads onto a single reel which can be wound up simultaneously in a fraction of the time taken with the more common individual spools. Leads are colour coded, red for current (long lead) and blue for potential (short lead) so there is no confusion when they are laid out along the ground.

The kits are available in the standard 50 and 25 metre lead lengths for areas of good soil condition or in 100 and 50 metre lead lengths for areas of poorer soil. Any other preferred lengths or colours can be made to order.

Collapse of test current during tap changer operation indicates a fault with the tap changer

The DV-Power TRT series automatic 3-phase Turns Ratiometer measures phase shift, excitation current and ratios from 0.8 to 15,000 on all types of single and 3-phase power, distribution and instrument transformers.

All types of transformer connections are accommodated including star, delta and zig-zag.

True 3-phase supply The TRT series features a true 3-phase supply with 120° phase displacement unlike most other ratiometers which use three single phase supplies.

DV-Win Software The supplied DV-WIN software allows remote control of the TRT and export of the measurements to PC. Remote Tap Changer Control Like the RMO-T series transformer ohmmeter, the TRT allows users to change the transformer taps remotely from the instrument.

NEW CAT Circuit Breaker Analyser The new range of Circuit Breaker Analysers & Timers from DV-Power of Sweden compliment the wide range of High Current Ohmmeters, Winding Ohmmeters and Ratiometers.

The CAT series are state-of-the-art instruments designed for advanced testing and analysis of a wide range of circuit breakers. The CAT will measure timing and record graphs of coil currents and the displacement of the moving parts.

The CAT is a stand alone or PC-controlled instrument for condition assessment of circuit breakers. The timing channels record closings and openings of main contacts, resistor contacts and auxiliary contacts. Graphs of both open and close coil current and displacements of HV and MV circuit breaker moving parts are recorded. Main contact channels can also measure the resistance of preinsertion resistors.

The CAT provides easy selection of the different operating modes: Open, Close, Open-Close, Close-Open, Open-Close-Open. The breaker can be operated remotely by using the External Trigger.

DV-Win software provides full control of all CAT functions from a PC including acquisition and analysis of test results.

The DV-Power CAT Breaker Analyser is fully optionable to allow users to purchase the exact capabilities to suit their needs.

The CAT can be user specified as follows: • 3 or 6 channels for main contacts • 3 channels for auxiliary contacts • Coil operation • Coil current measurement • 2 analogue inputs • Analogue or digital transducer input • USB memory stick

Transformer & Switchgear Analysis Winding Ohmmeters DV-Power RMO-T Series • Choice of maximum test currents of 10, 20, 40 & 60 Amps • Tests primary & secondary windings simultaneously • Resistance measurements from 1uΩ to 2,000Ω • On-Load Tap Changer Analysis • Automatic Discharge after test • Memory for 500 measurements with RMO Win-T software

Ratiometers DV-Power TRT Series • True 3-phase test supply • Ratios from 0.8 to 15000 • User selectable test voltage • Tests all types of single and 3-phase transformers • Measures turns ratio, phase shift and excitation current

MicroOhmeter DV-Power RMO Series • Choice of maximum test currents of 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 & 600 Amps • Light weight from 8kg • Resistance measurement from 0.1uΩ to 1Ω • Accuracy 0.2% • Memory for 500 measurements with RMO Win software • Optional Remote Control

Circuit Breaker Analyser & Timer DV-Power CAT Series • Timing and motion measurement • 6 or 3 channels for main contacts • 1 transducer input (digital or analogue) • 3 channels for auxiliary inputs • 4 analog inputs • Results printed on 80mm thermal printer • Detailed analysis of test results using versatile DV-Win software

NEW Pacific Test Equipment Pty Ltd HEAD OFFICE 27/7 Anella Avenue Castle Hill 2154 P.O. Box 6930 Baulkham Hills NSW 2153 T +61 2 9659 2300 • F +61 2 9659 2311 MELBOURNE 16 Dickson Court (P.O. Box 352) Williamstown VIC 3016 T +61 3 9397 0453 • F +61 3 9397 0473

www.pacifictest.com.au

sales@pacifictest.com.au Australian Power & Energy News - Page 15

Leading Energy Company TransGrid Adopts Mincom’s Next-Generation Solution for Enterprise Asset Management Australian transmission network operator adopts Mincom Ellipse 8 with field-enablement solution; will help ensure reliability and safety of electricity network supplying three million households and businesses

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INCOM, a leading global provider of software solutions and services for asset-intensive industries, recently announced a significant new deal worth $7.2 million with TransGrid, one of the largest high-voltage electricity transmission network operators in Australia and recognised as a best-practice transmission company.

it is currently the most robust and fully modern platform for enterprise asset management, designed specifically to meet the needs of assetintensive businesses like ours,” he said.

“Mincom’s field-enablement applications are tightly integrated with Ellipse 8, which will assist TransGrid’s asset and work management processes in the field, where the work is being done.”

Mincom Mobility is a suite of end-to-end field-enablement applications that improves the decision-making and productivity of field-force operations using mobile devices such as laptops, tablets, PDAs and more. Fully integrated with Mincom’s Ellipse solution for EAM, Mincom’s mobile workforce management solutions allow field personnel to perform the right job, with the right resources, wherever they are.

“Utility companies around the world face significantly greater demand for energy due to rapid population growth, and must maximise the performance of their physical infrastructure and workforce to ensure continued reliability of service,” said Greg Clark, Mincom CEO. “We’re pleased that a recognised energy leader such as TransGrid has adopted Mincom Ellipse 8, integrated with our field-enablement applications, for this important function,” said Mr. Clark.

Mincom Ellipse 8: The New Standard for Work and Asset Management

Mincom global headquarters in Brisbane, Australia Under the agreement, TransGrid will implement Mincom Ellipse 8, the world’s most comprehensive and modern Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) solution for asset-intensive industries, as well as Mincom applications for human resources and supply chain management. The organisation will also deploy the Mincom Mobility suite of integrated field-enablement applications, including Mincom Mobile Worker and Mincom Mobile Inspector, to improve the efficiency and productivity of its dynamic workforce.

With Mincom’s enterprise solutions, TransGrid can achieve greater visibility, improved availability and increased return on nearly $6 billion worth of electricity assets,

which provide electricity to more than three million households and businesses across New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). TransGrid’s assets include 91 substations; 12,600 kilometres of transmission lines; 36,000 transmission-line structures; and a workforce of more than 1,000 employees.

“TransGrid is committed to supplying an efficient, safe and reliable supply of electricity – now and in the future,” said Mr. Tony Meehan, Executive General Manager of Finance and Information Systems.

“Maximising the performance of our physical infrastructure and workforce is critical to meeting this objective,” said Mr. Meehan.

“We selected Mincom Ellipse 8 as we believe

With Ellipse 8, all date-related details surrounding work orders can be viewed and compared through an intuitive calendar-based interface Page 16 - Australian Power & Energy News

The result of a multi-million dollar R&D effort, representing more than 1,000 manyears of development, Mincom Ellipse 8 provides asset-intensive industries – including energy as well as mining, defense, transit and public infrastructure – with a fully integrated and mobile-enabled suite of business-critical applications that improves return on assets and workforce productivity, while also addressing the challenges inherent in remote and geographically dispersed operations that distinguish asset-heavy industries from corporate-office environments.

“Mincom Ellipse 8 is the culmination of extensive and detailed input from our customers, as well as three decades of deep industry and domain expertise,” said Mr Clark.

“Mincom Ellipse 8 represents a major step forward for asset management technology and best practices, mobile work management, and industry-specific solutions that address the challenges unique to our customers’ businesses.”

Energy companies have extremely assetintensive operations, which are vastly different from corporate or manufacturing environments.

The majority of a utility company’s workforce also tends to be mobile and geographically disbursed.

Mincom CEO Mr Greg Clark Therefore, mission-critical priorities for efficiently operating an energy business – which often combines planning, construction, maintenance and emergency work on a daily basis – include: • extending the life of existing assets, while investing in new technologies, • managing geographically dispersed assets and workforces, and • adhering to continually changing safety and environmental regulations.

Representing the new enterprise standard for asset-intensive organizations worldwide, Mincom Ellipse 8 is comprised of three fundamental components: applications for asset-intensive EAM and ERP; an enterprise integration platform with out-of-the-box integration to leading ERP solutions and an enterprise-scalable mobile application platform; and an open and integrated solution delivering advanced analytics and intelligent reporting.

Commented Ralph Rio, research director of enterprise software, ARC Advisory Group, “Mincom’s new release of Ellipse represents a substantial step forward in four key areas: technology, functionality, ease of use and open architecture. The software is deployed in pure Java on Linux and can be run in a cloud model.

And with configuration down to the fields displayed in a particular screen, the software can be customized to match a customer’s workflow and business processes. The open standards enable collaboration with other applications and people across an enterprise – a key theme in ARC’s strategic advice to its clients. With those four bases covered, the Mincom Ellipse 8 release is a home run.”

Ellipse 8 allows users to view assets within a spatial context, which lets them more easily take into consideration external factors that may influence maintenance

Real-time intelligence from the field brings clarity to strategic decision-making.

LEAD THE WAY.

Mincom goes to the ends of the earth to deliver efficient and reliable enterprise asset and work management solutions. For over 30 years we’ve supported the operational needs of some of the world’s largest energy and utilities companies. Our latest innovation represents the new enterprise standard for asset intensive organizations. It’s a mobile-enabled suite of business-critical applications that improve asset performance, boost workforce productivity, integrate business processes and reduce costs.

Find out more at www.mincom.com/leadtheway/energy.

Australian Power & Energy News - Page 17

New Substation Commissionings Substation upgrade to improve power reliability for Perth hills

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PGRADES on the Sawyers Valley substation have just been completed which is expected to improve power quality and reliability for many Perth hill’s residents.

Western Power spokesperson Joanne Hill said the $15 million project had been undertaken to ensure electricity supplies would continue to sustain the growing customer demands and future expansion in the area.

“The substation is currently experiencing a 7.7% annual load growth each year,” Ms Hill said.

“The Sawyers Valley work consisted of installing a new 132/22 kV transformer,

Western Power connects WA’s largest renewable energy project

new high and low voltage lines and a new switchyard.

“The existing substation currently houses two 66/22kV transformers which will continue to operate alongside the new one.

“Western Power’s long term forecasting recognised that there would be a need to increase capacity for the hill’s area as a result of continued growth and business developments,” Ms Hill said.

The substation was fully energised on Sunday 22 May and is now supplying power. All work was undertaken on the existing site with minimal interruption and no environmental impact.

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Western Power trials new technology at substations

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N one of the first installations of its kind in Australia, Western Power has trialled an innovative technology to provide oil containment / bunding for the power transformers in one of its zone substations.

The new design has improved environmental benefits and delivers considerable financial savings over traditional masonry bund and associated oil/water separator solutions.

Western Power’s Group Manager Transmission Delivery, Mehdi Toufan said a trial of this new technology was undertaken at the Medina substation to ascertain whether it could be suitable for wider application.

“The new approach to bunding uses a synthetic liner that drains through a special polymer material that enables water to pass through it, but blocks the flow of oil due to a chemical reaction whereby it solidifies on contact with oil,” Mr Toufan said.

“This method is significantly cheaper and

Western Power

quicker to install, is totally passive and has minimal ongoing maintenance requirements,” he said.

“Substation transformers typically contain around 20,000 litres of oil. The bunds are designed to capture oil from leaks and major spills to protect the surrounding environment.

“Unlike traditional bunds, the new bunds are totally below ground. This allows for greater flexibility around substation design, for instance, access across a substation site is not obstructed by the traditional masonry bunds walls,” Mr Toufan said.

This technology has already been used in the USA and other utilities around Australia are watching intently to see how the trials progress in WA. “Lessons learnt from the Medina substation trial will be applied at the Mullaloo and Gosnells substations over the next three months,” Mr Toufan said.

ESTERN POWER has just completed a $20m project to connect to the grid WA’s largest renewable energy project, the Collgar Wind Farm.

The $750 million Collgar Wind Farm is the largest wind farm in the southern hemisphere and is expected to generate enough electricity to power more than 120,000 homes.

Western Power Managing Director Doug Aberle said it was a significant project for the business.

“The project involved the construction of a purpose-built substation and other infrastructure to provide connection including cutting in to the Merredin -Yilgarn transmission line.

Western Power cut into the 220,000 volt transmission line which carries power between Kalgoorlie and Perth and connecting it to a substation built on the wind farm.

Merredin, Kalgoorlie and other affected towns had alternative power routes arranged during the five-day cut-in so no interruptions in power were experienced.

“Western Power is pleased to have delivered the connection project under budget and ahead of schedule,” Mr Aberle said.

“This project demonstrates Western Power’s commitment to enabling sustainable, renewable energy sources to benefit consumers and to help make a major contribution to WA’s greenhouse gas reductions,” Mr Aberle said.

Collgar Wind Farm is forecast to generate and deliver, on average, 792,000MWh of clean, renewable electricity into Western Power’s network – the South West Interconnected System.

Collgar Wind Farm is located approximately 25km south east of Merredin.

Western Power staff from left to right: Phil Baxter, Matthew Le, Emmet Fitzsimons, Peter Legg

Above and right: New Bunding Technology at substations trialled by Western Power Page 18 - Australian Power & Energy News

Industry Expectations Result in new Transformer Monitoring Concepts O

was detected? Such monitors will track and trend condition very ably after initial detection but for a true on-line assessment of the issue one would have to either take very regular DGA samples or employ a field DGA tester option, both of which impose issues of practicability that are not always convenient or appropriate.

VER the past 10 years or so the requirements of the Industry for reliable early detection of developing transformer main tank faults have been ably met by detection-style monitoring techniques. Now commonplace in new build specifications and retrofits, such monitors generally also include independent moisture and, more latterly, CO measurement channels as well as sophistications in alarm options, and communications protocols.

Thus Morgan Schaffer’s R&D team, aware of these pending development, has spent the past 3 years preparing a new patented transformer-mountable technology that can uniquely cover gas in oil concentrations of some 0.2 ppm to 100,000 ppm (the highest range presently on offer in the world) with calibration certainty and no routine intervention for two years between low-cost calibration and carrier gas change outs.

These monitors generally employed a stable Hydrogen measurement platform on the sound principle of this gas being a reliable indicator gas accompanying (in linear fashion with fault site temperature) the evolution of other combustible fault gases more commonly employed for diagnostic purposes via DGA methods.

These economic yet sophisticated monitors are still a leading choice of preference by the Industry but more recently several developments have led to demands by the Industry that have prompted a new generation of such monitoring concepts to be developed.

Two main drivers prompted this revised strategy. They first was the official release in early 2010 of a new series of

Solving the other part of the problem, the solution was simple…a hardware changeover design brief between their detection and their new diagnostic monitors (Calisto 5 and 9 gas ) allowed a half day swap over from detection to diagnostic that addressed the issue perfectly and simply! oil DGA analysis rules by Michel Duval that covered tap changers, a major source of reliability issues worldwide. From this came the concept of a new series of online full DGA monitors that could handle the huge range of combustible gas levels in the tap-changer environment and still

permit accurate measurement and DGA analysis of condition in real time.

Another driver emerging following the widespread implementation over 10 years of detection-style monitors was the dilemma of what to do next when an issue

The Australasian Industry has been quick to embrace this new concept in monitoring and 8 units have already gone to New Zealand for the transmission industry needs in this regard. Aside from Transmission, the concept has excited the generation and industrial markets also.

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Morgan Schaffer....setting the standard in Transformer Monitoring! www.lordpowerequipment.com.au | 1800 128 000 Australian Power & Energy News - Page 19

Relying on SURELINE® steel power poles to strengthen network reliability SURELINE® poles are delivered pre-drilled, but Essential Energy crews have also become adept with step drills for on-site changes.

W

ITH a power supply network spread across 95 per cent of New South Wales and parts of Southern Queensland and Victoria, Essential Energy has a permanent focus on its assets’ reliability, durability and efficiency.

That’s one of the reasons for the company’s increasing use of lightweight, high strength SURELINE® steel sub transmission and distribution poles supplied by BlueScope Steel.

Essential Energy’s electricity network consists of more than 200,000 kilometres of power lines and 1.4 million poles, making it the largest in Australia. As with any energy company, but especially for one with an operational footprint as big as this, network reliability is critically important.

In Australia, the threat of a bushfire to the reliability of the electricity networks is a critical issue. When tested by CSIRO, SURELINE® steel poles and their galvanised coating were not compromised in full immersion and bushfire passage tests.

Other characteristics of SURELINE® steel poles that strengthen their reliability and long life credentials include: • internal and external hot dip galvanising to extend the poles’ life • polymer coating to provide protection from corrosion in oxygen rich soils • total resistance to termite infestation, a widespread problem across Australia.

After undertaking field trials of SURELINE®

steel poles some years ago, Essential Energy accepted the engineered poles into their standards, having found them particularly useful in challenging locations.

The work of crews from Essential Energy’s Junee depot in southern New South Wales illustrate how the SURELINE® steel poles have fitted into their operations.

Regional general manager Southern, David Nardi explained, “We are carrying out a number of powerline replacement jobs because the old conductor has reached the end of its working life. Because our construction standards have changed since the poles and wires were installed some years ago, we’ve replaced a number of power poles with taller structures to offer increased clearances.”

In an area previously affected by bushfires, the decision was made to install 12.5 metre SURELINE® steel distribution poles wherever possible.

Essential Energy depots routinely keep SURELINE® poles in stock, but extra supplies were ordered for the Junee to Eurongilly line upgrade, among others.

Area manager Riverina, Shawn Eade said the Junee field crews prefer to work with SURELINE® poles rather than with timber.

“The finished result looks neater and you feel you are doing a better job and using a pole which should outlast us all.

“To be fair, some of the timber poles we are replacing in this area are decades old, and the timber poles available now are not of the same

quality as those we are replacing.”

Termites are prevalent in many areas of southern and western New South Wales and their impact on the pole population is increasing as some treatments are no longer used on the poles and residual chemical levels are declining.

David explained that Essential Energy is now using alternative materials for power poles in areas where termites are a problem improving network reliability and reducing the risk of damage.

“Essential Energy’s Junee crew’s experience has been that the SURELINE® steel poles are easier to work with than alternatives. Plant requirements are simpler – particularly for handling the lightweight and parallel-sided steel poles. Together, these two characteristics enable easy load stacking movement and handling”, David said.

“There’s generally no need to send out a crane for dressing work, sometimes a long way from base, because two men can go out and spin the poles and put cross arms on them without having to lift them.

“Even in situations where a crane is needed you can use a smaller crane than other pole types would require.”

Minimising the amount of machinery and manpower needed to install the poles delivers enhanced productivity and cost savings. One reason this can be achieved is due to the high strength to weight ratio of BlueScope Steel’s dedicated grade of steel. An outcome of using a lightweight pole is that the poles can be manoeuvred in difficult terrain using lighter mobile equipment that can navigate the area to complete the job.

On some projects Essential Energy brings in crews from surrounding areas to change over up to 30 timber poles to SURELINE® poles in a day.

Feedback from rural land owners along the route of the latest upgrade has also been very positive. The bushfires of 2006 that destroyed many timber poles and caused power outages, are still well remembered by the rural communities.

“Even one of our own employees got burnt out,” Shawn Eade said. “Now rural residents’ attitude is that the SURELINE® steel poles give them one less thing to worry about in the next fire.

“The SURELINE® poles are a regular part of our kit now. When these current upgrade jobs are completed we will be using SURELINE® poles for our routine maintenance and general replacement of power poles.”

SURELINE® - 1800 800 798 www.sureline.com.au

“The SURELINE® poles are a regular part of our kit now.

When these current upgrade jobs are completed we will be using SURELINE® poles for our routine maintenance and general replacement of power poles.”

Shawn Eade Essential Energy area manager, Riverina, NSW

Page 20 - Australian Power & Energy News

RECRUITMENT & APPRENTICE INTAKE NEWS Essential Energy celebrates apprentice excellence qualified workforce, while establishing a foundation for long-term employment and addressing the skills shortage in the electricity supply industry,” Terri said.

In supporting the Awards through contributions to the winning apprentices’ superannuation funds, EISS chief executive officer, Richard Powis, described apprenticeships as “a high quality business investment in skills needed for the future”.

“While Essential Energy focuses on the skills apprentices need to do their day-to-day jobs, through our support of these awards we are looking to improve their knowledge

of how to secure their long term financial future,” Richard said.

The awards recognised the best of Essential Energy’s regional apprentices based on academic results and workplace performance. The eight regional finalists then competed in a knowledge and practical assessment for the overall Apprentice of the Year accolade.

Essential Energy has created more than 1020 apprenticeships since 2001 – boosting local employment and economy levels for regional communities across New South Wales.

Essential Energy’s 2011 Apprentice Awards results: Regional Apprentice of the Year Award winners: Above: Essential Energy managing director, Terri Benson, and Energy Industry Superannuation Scheme chief executive officer, Richard Powis (far right), with Essential Energy’s Regional Apprentices of the Year. L-R (back): Adam Dark, Ben James, Casey Tabb, Kane Morgan, (front) Todd Barnes, Emmily Moylan, Robert Treanor and Tim Shute

I

N a first for leading regional employer and energy provider Essential Energy, the excellence of apprentices across the State has been celebrated at an awards night at Port Macquarie.

Sponsored by the Energy Industries Superannuation Scheme (EISS), the inaugural Essential Energy Apprentice Awards recognised the outstanding achievements of apprentices and their commitment to safety and environment practices, academic excellence, workplace competency and personal development.

Managing director, Terri Benson, said

the awards were a unique opportunity to acknowledge the value of apprentice excellence in contributing to a safe and productive working environment across the company.

“Apprentices are the future of the energy industry and their training is one of the most critical functions we undertake as an organisation – developing a locally-based,

E-learning helps address cabling skills shortage

T

HE shortage of skilled cablers and digital installers due to the roll-out of the National Broadband Network (NBN) is being met by e-learning.

Innovation and Business Skills Australia estimates an additional 15,000 skilled telecommunications workers will be needed to implement the NBN, while those already in the electrotechnology industry will need retraining.

In Western Australia, line and cable workers have been placed on the WA State Priority Occupations List as top priority.

WA training organisation Integracom Management Group has turned to e-learning as a solution to delivering training in this critical skills shortage area.

In 2009, it received funding and support from the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework) to develop a Moodle site for online training and course assessment.

Project manager Brad Knox said e-learning provided an ideal training solution as many of Integracom’s learners were mature aged workers who were time poor, geographically

isolated and unable to attend traditional classroom training.

“With Australia embarking on several important communications infrastructure projects, such as the NBN, it was vital that training was made available to people in rural locations to ensure all of Australia had people with the specialist skills required to complete these projects.”

Integracom secured further Framework funding in 2010 to develop a virtual I P Network simulator training and assessment tool which allowed remote learners to practice skills for the Certificate III in Telecommunications.

Now, in 2011, Integracom is conducting online assessments for 24 units of competency and delivering course theory for 19 units of competency for state-based, national and international learners.

Integracom’s e-learning projects were funded and supported by the Framework’s E-learning Innovations business activity.

Find out about other Framework E-learning Innovations projects.

Solar power for Ti Tree, Kalkarindgi and Alpurrurulam

C

ONSTRUCTION started recently in Ti Tree on the first of three new solar power stations announced for the remote communities of Ti Tree, Kalkarindgi and Alpurrurulam (Lake Nash). A wind energy system will also be installed at Alpurrurulam.

The Ti Tree facility located around 200km north of Alice Springs will generate around 550 million watt hours each year. Over the three communities, a total of 1 million watts of solar panels are being installed.

What this means for local residents is that 80 per cent of the electricity used during the day to conduct activities such as boiling a kettle or watching the news, will be supplied by the sun.

The remaining energy requirements will continue to be supplied by diesel generators, which will operate on a more constant load day and night. This improves the efficiency and service life of the diesel engines.

A reduction in the volume of diesel required is another benefit of the project, as supplying diesel to remote communities is expensive and often difficult during the wet season. This means that fewer deliveries will be required and the diesel stored in each location will last longer.

“Renewable energy sources such as these three solar power stations are a reliable, cost effective and

• Robert Treanor – Central Western (Blayney) • Casey Tabb – Far North Coast (Murwillumbah) • Emmily Moylan – North Western (Dubbo) • Adam Dark – Northern (Walcha) • Todd Barnes – Mid North Coast (Dungog) • Ben James – Far West (Buronga) • Tim Shute – Southern (Wagga Wagga) • Kane Morgan – South Eastern (Bega) Infrastructure Operations’ Apprentice of the Year 2011 • Casey Tabb, Apprentice Powerline Worker, Murwillumbah Engineering Services’ Apprentice of the Year 2011 • Sam Mulquiney, Apprentice Electrical Technician, Wagga Wagga

Executive General Manager’s Award Engineering Services • John Rathbone, Apprentice Electrical, Dubbo Executive General Manager’s Award Infrastructure Operations • Emmily Moylan, Apprentice Powerline Worker, Dubbo Outstanding Commitment to Safety Apprenticeship Award • Mark Hannigan, Apprentice Powerline Worker, Lismore Dux 1st Year (2010) Award • Kyle Smart, Apprentice Powerline Worker, Molong Dux 2nd Year (2010) Award • Peter McGee, Apprentice Electrical Technician, Temora

Safety focus receives national recognition

E

SSENTIAL ENERGY’s Manager Tools and Personal Protective Equipment, Daniel Germany, has won gold in the 2010 National Safe Work Awards, announced recently at Parliament House in Canberra.

Responsible for ensuring the safety of tools and personal protective equipment for all Essential Energy employees, Daniel took out the Best Individual Contribution to Workplace Health and Safety Award for ground-breaking workplace safety initiatives that included working with manufacturers and employees to redesign pole platforms and fall arrest harnesses to reduce risks to workers.

Essential Energy’s managing director, Terri Benson, said, “The national recognition of Daniel’s commitment to the safety and well being of our employees is well deserved.”

“Safety is Essential Energy’s number one priority – we are absolutely committed to ensuring the safety of the communities we supply an essential service to and our crews.

“With 22 years industry experience, Daniel is one of our many professionals who show true dedication to keeping our crews safe by making sure they have the best tools and equipment to work with – after all, we all want to go home each night the same way we arrived – safe and sound,” Terri said.

The 6th annual Safe Work Australia Awards were open to the public and private sectors and covered four categories:

Above: Essential Energy’s Manager Tools and Personal Protective Equipment, Daniel Germany

• Best workplace health and safety management system • Best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue • Best workplace health and safety practice/s in a small business • Best individual contribution to workplace health and safety

more environmentally sustainable electricity supply for remote communities,” said Power and Water’s General Manager Remote Operations Darryl Day. The three facilities will also deliver substantial savings of around 1200 tonnes of CO2-e emissions. This benefits both the surrounding communities and the Northern Territory as a whole.

To build and operate these three solar power stations as well as a wind energy system at Alpurrurulam, Power and Water has signed a power purchase agreement with Epuron Pty Ltd and its subsidiary TKLN Solar Pty Ltd. Conergy Australia and Epuron, as wholly owned subsidiaries of Conergy AG, are also proud to be part of this renewable energy project from design stage through to construction.

All three sites are scheduled for completion by the end of 2011.

Funding for this $14 million project includes $5 million under the Australian Government Renewable Remote Power Generation Program, $4 million from the Northern Territory Government under the Climate Change Policy and $5 million in private equity.

Once these three solar power stations are complete Power and Water Corporation will have nine large solar systems in their portfolio, including Hermannsburg, Lajamanu, Yuendumu, Jilkminggan, Bulman and Kings Canyon.

Australian Power & Energy News - Page 21

RECRUITMENT & APPRENTICE INTAKE NEWS

Ausgrid apprenticeships on offer to bright sparks A

USGRID is looking for more than 150 new apprentices and throwing open its doors to find the next generation of power workers.

Learning and Development Manager Tom Emeleus said recruitment for the class of 2012 officially opens on 20 June but people interested could begin gathering information for their application right now.

“We are looking for bright new apprentices to join our team,” Mr Emeleus said.

“These new workers will help us deliver our record $8 billion capital works program including the roll out of smart grid technologies across our network.”

Ausgrid has been training apprentices since 1910 and as NSW’s largest single employer of apprentices there are more than 600 currently in training.

Ausgrid trains apprentices as electrical mechanics, line work, cable jointing and motor mechanics.

Apprentices are paid to learn and gain a nationally recognised trade while working on state-of-the-art infrastructure projects including our $300 million smart grid.

Ausgrid operates the electricity network throughout Sydney, the Central Coast and Newcastle.

Sydney based apprentices are trained at Ausgrid’s new $75 million industry leading, Learning Centre in Silverwater and Hunter-

Above: If you’re interested in an apprenticeship, go to an open day to see the skills in action

Above: Tylissa Stephens

A Above: A visit to the Ausgrid apprentice open day will include cable jointing demonstrations

based apprentices are trained at Ausgrid’s Wallsend or Muswellbrook training centres.

Age is not a factor for beginning apprenticeships, as a stable career in a growing industry is attractive to a wide range of applicants. The class of 2011 included 17 year olds, through to a 49-year-old apprentice.

School leavers and workers looking for a

change, can get an insight into the electricity industry through open days in Sydney, Newcastle and Muswellbrook.

People interested in the apprenticeship program can go to www.facebook/ ausgridapprenticeships, or www.ausgrid.com. au/careers for more information and to register for the pre-selection tests.

Above: First year apprentices in training at the Ausgrid Learning Centre

ActewAGL welcomes 2011 apprentices A

ctewAGL Chief Executive Officer Michael Costello has welcomed the 2011 intake into ActewAGL’s apprenticeship program.

The 12 new apprentices, who will train as Cable Jointers, Line Workers and Electricial Fitters, will undertake four years of combined on-the-job training and studying at the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT).

ActewAGL Chief Executive Officer Michael Costello said, “Over the last 50 years, more than 400 apprentices have successfully completed their apprenticeships with ActewAGL and its predecessors, which demonstrates our commitment to providing careers and training for our local community.”

The new intake includes two female apprentices, who gained apprenticeship offers after working for the organisation as Vegetation Inspectors.

Electrical Fitter apprentice Samantha Green said, “I started with ActewAGL in 2007 as an Office Trainee, then moved on to a position as a Vegetation Inspector before starting my full apprenticeship this year.

Page 22 - Australian Power & Energy News

Push forward with a powerful preapprenticeship program

“I’ve chosen this career because it really counts and it’s useful to the community.

Being female in a male-dominated field can

be intimidating but the guys have always been welcoming.”

For more information about careers at ActewAGL visit actewagl.com.au/careers

Above: ActewAGL Chief Executive Officer Michael Costello welcomes the 2011 intake of apprentices. Image courtesy of ActewAGL

USGRID’s award-winning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander preapprenticeship program is on again and the power company is looking for motivated people interested in a career in the electricity industry.

Ausgrid, which was formerly the electricity network called EnergyAustralia, has a proud tradition of training apprentices and supporting indigenous applicants.

Learning and Development Manager, Tom Emeleus, said the program was an important step towards gaining a stable career.

“The pre-apprenticeship program is about helping you get what you need for a long lasting career,” Mr Emeleus said.

“As the state’s largest single employer of apprentices we offer a great support network and this course helps bridge the gaps to get participants ready for the apprenticeship selection process.”

The pre-apprenticeship program is a 10 week course aimed at up-skilling participants with the literacy and numeracy skills needed to gain an apprenticeship with Ausgrid. It includes industry training at Ausgrid learning centres in Sydney and Newcastle.

18-year-old Tylissa Stephens from Hillsdale completed the pre-apprenticeship course last year, before successfully gaining and starting her electrical mechanics apprenticeship with Ausgrid this year.

“I did the pre-apprenticeship program to advance my knowledge of the industry and help me get a job I wanted. It gave me the skills and the confidence to go for the apprenticeship.

“The support you get from the teachers at TAFE and the Ausgrid staff is great. They are really keen on helping you do your best and get through the course and get the job at the end of it.

“My job is so much more than I expected. Going into it, you know it’s a good job but after a bit of time you realise it’s more like a family and the trainers really look after you and help with whatever you need.”

There are 20 student positions open through Petersham TAFE and 10 with the Hunter Institute of TAFE, where participants will study at the Maitland and Tighes Hill campuses.

Anyone interested in the pre-apprenticeship should call Lyn Wilson, Head Teacher Foundation Studies, at TAFE NSW – Sydney Institute, on 0409 310 384 or 02 9335 2404 or visit the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs section at: www.ausgrid.com.au/careers

Facts: • Ausgrid’s Indigenous pre-apprenticeship program began in 2005 and was developed by TAFE NSW Sydney Institute specifically for EnergyAustralia.

• Ausgrid and TAFE NSW - Sydney Institute have trained 92 pre-apprentices over the past six years.

• The pre-apprenticeship program focuses on the level of maths and literacy skills required for screening, along with the communication skills which are necessary to be confident in an interview.

• Pre-apprentices spend one day a week in work experience at apprentice training centres in Wallsend and Silverwater.

• Ausgrid pre-apprentices spend four days a week studying at Petersham and Maitland campuses in a full time course that runs for 10 weeks (July – September).

• Ausgrid maintains an 86% retention rate for preapprenticeship graduates.

RECRUITMENT & APPRENTICE INTAKE NEWS CitiPower and Powercor Celebrate High Achieving Apprentices and Trainees

V

ICTORIAN electricity distribution businesses CitiPower and Powercor recently celebrated the success of future business leaders at its Annual Apprentice and Trainee Awards at West Waters Hotel and Entertainment Complex, Caroline Springs.

The awards formally recognise the achievements of the company’s leading apprentices and trainees for the dedication they have shown to their careers.

A total of 12 winners received awards from locations across Victoria including Ardeer, Ballarat, Bendigo, Colac, Melbourne, Mildura, and Warrnambool.

Additional awards were presented to the company’s mentors of the year, Neville Hunt of Bendigo and John Stasiewicz of Melbourne.

These important awards are voted on by all apprentices and trainees and awarded to the mentors who have provided the best tuition, guidance and leadership to new recruits.

Former Melbourne Football Club champion, television AFL expert, radio presenter and author, David Schwarz, was a special guest speaker at the award ceremony.

David offered words of advice to attendees, telling his unique story of overcoming adversity and making the most of opportunities.

CitiPower and Powercor’s Resource Manager Central, Peter Garlick, said the awards reinforced the company’s commitment to workforce sustainability.

“These awards recognise the collective achievements of apprentices, trainees and mentors and provide our business with the chance to reflect upon the achievements of a critical workforce development program,” Mr Garlick said.

“One of the most important aspects of our apprentice and trainee program is ensuring our most experienced employees are engaged to instruct new recruits, and to educate them about the culture and expectations of our business, “CitiPower and Powercor have maintained a strong commitment to its recruitment program,

Above: Victorian electricity distribution businesses CitiPower and Powercor recently celebrated the success of future business leaders at its Annual Apprentice and Trainee Awards outside Melbourne. A total of 12 winners received awards from locations across Victoria including Ardeer, Ballarat, Bendigo, Colac, Melbourne, Mildura, and Warrnambool. The award winners were joined on the day by Powercor Network Services General Manager Mark Sturgess, CitiPower and Powercor CEO Shane Breheny, and CitiPower and Powercor’s Resource Manager Central Peter Garlick

hiring new recruits every year almost a decade now. This has occurred even through years when economic and employment conditions have been severely constrained,” he said.

CitiPower and Powercor’s Apprentice Program Coordinator, Steve McConnell, said the awards ceremony also recognised all apprentices and trainees that have completed their three or four year programs, earning industry recognised qualifications in the process.

He added that CitiPower and Powercor would soon embark upon its 2012 Apprentices and Trainee Recruitment program with a statewide advertising campaign and the opening of applications planned from mid-July.

“CitiPower and Powercor will be looking for a new breed of highly motivated employees to join our company and set themselves up for long and successful careers in the electricity industry,” Mr McConnell said.

“Through our structured training programs

we will provide new recruits with everything they need to earn their qualifications while placing critical emphasis on the best possible health and safety practices,” he said.

Above: Aaron Voyce receives his Most Outstanding 1st Year Design Trainee Award at the 2011 CitiPower and Powercor Annual Apprentice and Trainee Awards in Caroline Springs.

The award was presented by (L-R) Powercor Network Services General Manager Mark Sturgess and CitiPower and Powercor CEO Shane Breheny

Above: Luke Hubble receives his Most Outstanding 2nd Year Apprentice Lineworker Award at the 2011 CitiPower and Powercor Annual Apprentice and Trainee Awards in Caroline Springs. The award was presented by (L-R) Powercor Network Services General Manager Mark Sturgess and CitiPower and Powercor CEO Shane Breheny

Above: Allister Craig receives his Most Outstanding 3rd Year Apprentice Lineworker Award at the 2011 CitiPower and Powercor Annual Apprentice and Trainee Awards in Caroline Springs. The award was presented by (L-R) Powercor Network Services General Manager Mark Sturgess and CitiPower and Powercor CEO Shane Breheny

Above: Michael O’Reilly receives his Most Outstanding 2nd Year Electrical Apprentice Award at the 2011 CitiPower and Powercor Annual Apprentice and Trainee Awards in Caroline Springs. The award was presented by (L-R) Powercor Network Services General Manager Mark Sturgess and CitiPower and Powercor CEO Shane Breheny

Above: Sam Burchell receives his Most Outstanding 4th Year Apprentice Lineworker Award at the 2011 CitiPower and Powercor Annual Apprentice and Trainee Awards in Caroline Springs. The award was presented by (L-R) Powercor Network Services General Manager Mark Sturgess and CitiPower and Powercor CEO Shane Breheny

Above: Tom Chapman receives his Most Outstanding 4th Year Electrical Apprentice Award at the 2011 CitiPower and Powercor Annual Apprentice and Trainee Awards in Caroline Springs. The award was presented by (L-R) Powercor Network Services General Manager Mark Sturgess and CitiPower and Powercor CEO Shane Breheny

Above: Brendan Green receives his Most Outstanding 3rd Year Electrical Apprentice Award at the 2011 CitiPower and Powercor Annual Apprentice and Trainee Awards in Caroline Springs. The award was presented by (L-R) Powercor Network Services General Manager Mark Sturgess and CitiPower and Powercor CEO Shane Breheny

Above: Matt Oleksiuk receives his Most Outstanding 1st Year Electrical Apprentice Award at the 2011 CitiPower and Powercor Annual Apprentice and Trainee Awards in Caroline Springs. The award was presented by (L-R) Powercor Network Services General Manager Mark Sturgess and CitiPower and Powercor CEO Shane Breheny

Above: John Stasiewicz receives his Mentor of the Year Award at the 2011 CitiPower and Powercor Annual Apprentice and Trainee Awards in Caroline Springs. The award was presented by (L-R) Powercor Network Services General Manager Mark Sturgess and CitiPower and Powercor CEO Shane Breheny

To find out more about the range of positions on offer visit CitiPower and Powercor’s corporate website at www.citipower.com.au or www.powercor.com.au

LIST OF 2011 AWARD WINNERS Mentor of the year: John Stasiewicz (Melbourne) Mentor of the year (Design): Neville Hunt (Bendigo) Most Outstanding 1st Year Apprentice Cable Jointer: Mark Sammut (Ardeer) Most Outstanding 2nd Year Apprentice Lineworker: Luke Hubble (Mildura) Most Outstanding 3rd Year Apprentice Lineworker: Allister Craig (Colac) Dale Shorter Memorial Award for Most Outstanding 4th Year Apprentice Lineworker: Sam Burchell (Warrnambool) Most Outstanding 1st Year Electrical Apprentice: (dual winners) Matt Oleksiuk (Melbourne) and Gerry Conachey (Ardeer) Most Outstanding 2nd Year Electrical Apprentice: Michael O’Reilly (Ardeer) Most Outstanding 3rdYear Electrical Apprentice: Brendan Green (Bendigo) Most Outstanding 4th Year Electrical Apprentice: Tom Chapman (Ardeer) Most Outstanding 1st Year Design Trainee: Aaron Voyce (Ballarat) Most Outstanding 2nd Year Design Trainee: Brenton McKenry (Warrnambool) Most Outstanding 3rd Year Design Trainee: Chris Hopper (Ardeer)

Australian Power & Energy News - Page 23

$75million Ausgrid Learning Centre training workers of the future A

USTRALIA’s largest electrical learning centre has today officially opened its doors to the largest group of apprentices in training for a single company in NSW.

Senator the Hon. Christopher Evans, Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations formally unveiled the new Ausgrid Learning Centre at Silverwater – the geographical heart of Sydney.

Ausgrid Managing Director George Maltabarow said the Learning Centre would be home for the largest single crew of apprentices in NSW. “This learning centre will be a hub of cutting edge technical training in the middle of Australia’s largest city,” Mr Maltabarow said.

“Ausgrid’s apprentices will be working on the frontline of the electricity network. They will now learn their trade in a state-of-the-art facility.

“Most importantly they can learn how to work safely around electricity.”

Mr Maltabarow said the $75 million Ausgrid Learning Centre was jointly funded by Ausgrid and the Federal Government through the Commonwealth Education Investment Fund.

The Ausgrid Learning Centre includes: • Purpose built training facilities - a pole yard for heights training, jointing pits for cable jointers and electrical mechanics workshops • A substation simulator, allowing apprentices to hone their skills in different simulated electrical environments • Electric vehicle charging stations • And a place for the public to learn about the electricity industry and their energy use – the Energy Efficiency Centre.

Mr Maltabrow said the Learning Centre would also demonstrate cutting edge environmental design and construction.

“It will be the greenest trade school in Australia- if not beyond,” Mr Maltabarow said.

Above: Senator the Hon Christopher Evans meets Ausgrid apprentices at Ausgrid’s new Learning Centre

“Every step of its design, construction and ongoing use has focussed on reducing water and energy use.

“That’s why the centre has been awarded a Certified 6 Star Green Star – Education Design v1, by the Green Building Council Australia.

In addition to apprentices the Ausgrid Learning Centre will also be used by another 125 Ausgrid staff leading the way in training, research and development.

Senator the Hon Christopher Evans, Ausgrid Manager Property Kate Gunton, the Member for Reid the Hon John Murphy, Ausgrid Managing Director George Maltabarow at Ausgrid’s new Learning Centre

Photo courtesy of Richard Drew, Brookfield Multiplex Pty Ltd

Above: Ausgrid Manager Property Kate Gunton, Senator the Hon Christopher Evans, the Member for Reid the Hon John Murphy, Ausgrid Managing Director George Maltabarow at Ausgrid’s new Learning Centre Page 24 - Australian Power & Energy News

Ausgrid’s new $75 million Learning Centre brings together world-class technical training for power workers; corporate training and research and development. It is also a public centre for energy efficiency and a place for people to learn about the electricity industry.

This one-of-a-kind facility in Australia, is purpose built for training electrical workers.

It includes: • A pole yard for line workers to train at heights • Workshops so electrical mechanics can hone their technical skills • Underground cable pits for cable jointer training • It will be the only centre in Australia to have a live flexible substation that can be simulated to run as a city substation, zone substation or distribution substation.

• It includes a state-of-the-art Energy Efficiency Centre to provide practical advice for households and showcase the latest energy efficient technology and appliances.

The Silverwater site is 1.7 hectares and includes a real world electricity network to train technical workers in smart grid technologies. The Ausgrid Learning Centre is also a landmark building because it is

a certified 6 Star Green Star - Education Design v.1.

The main building incorporates a trigeneration plant which is expected to produce enough electricity to power more than 50 average homes for a year.

It also helps to heat and cool the building.

The building’s energy and water use is monitored and displayed in the Energy Efficiency Centre to raise awareness and to help staff strive to reduce their impact. The Learning Centre has been designed with a number of features to reduce both energy and water use.

Geothermal bores provide cool water for the air conditioning plant while a hollow core slab thermal mass system will maintain building temperature more evenly. A 260panel, 51 kilowatt photovoltaic system has been installed on the roof and rainwater is collected in a 147,000 litre rainwater tank.

The centre also includes 10 electric vehicle charging stations.

The Energy Efficiency Centre is a one-stop spot for people to learn about electricity. It aims to give them the practical advice they need to understand how much energy they use, what appliances are energy efficient, and how to reduce their energy use without affecting their lifestyle.