Ausgrid plans to retire the Blackwattle Bay zone substation. Before we can do this, we need to upgrade associated equipment and install sections of new 11kV cables in Camperdown, Glebe, Ultimo, Pyrmont and Redfern. The new cables will allow for a connection between the Camperdown zone substation (which has recently been upgraded) and the Darling Harbour zone substation. This will provide a secure and reliable electricity supply to the area.
The renewal program has a number of stages as outlined below. While these stages are separate projects, they all form part of the greater renewal program which will enable the Blackwattle Bay zone substation to eventually be retired.
Please note, residents and businesses in the area will be provided with more information about how the work may impact them as we progress.
Stage one – equipment upgrades in 5kV distribution substations around Blackwattle Bay (COMPLETE)
There are 56 distribution substations connected to the Blackwattle Bay zone substation. Of these, 27 require equipment upgrades to prepare for conversion to 11kV. Community impacts from these upgrades include planned power disruptions to a small number of residents and businesses, plus some temporary traffic, parking or access restrictions while equipment is being delivered and replaced.
Stage two – cable installation works in Camperdown, Glebe, Ultimo, Redfern and Pyrmont (COMPLETE)
A number of new 11kV underground cables will connect the Camperdown zone substation to the Darling Harbour zone substation. Some of these cables will be pulled through existing conduits (pipes) already installed in roadways.
However, trenching work will be required to install new conduits to complete the cable route between the two zone substations. Construction impacts may include potential work at night plus impacts on pedestrian and vehicle traffic, including a reduction of available street parking. After all conduits have been installed, cables will be pulled through and joined in bays (excavated pits).
Stage three – connection of Blackwattle Bay zone substation to either the Darling Harbour or Camperdown zone substation (COMPLETE)
Once the 11kV cable works have been completed, each of the 56 distribution substations currently connected to the Blackwattle Bay zone substation will be switched over to either the Darling Harbour or Camperdown zone substation. This will involve cable jointing works around the streets of Pyrmont, Ultimo, Chippendale, Glebe and parts of Redfern.
There could be some temporary traffic, parking or access restrictions during the work. There will also be associated works that will require short power disruptions to local residents and businesses to allow for the switch over to the new equipment.
Stage four - Blackwattle Bay zone substation decommissioning (proposed late August 2023) Decommissioning of Blackwattle Bay zone substation will occur once the network and upgrade works have been completed. The site will then be made safe and prepared for future use. At this time, Ausgrid will consider whether the site will be kept or sold.