Cessnock South zone substation

Cessnock zone substation was constructed in 1963. Key pieces of equipment are now approaching the end of their service life.

The most cost effective means of ensuring continued reliability of electricity supply for customers is to construct a new zone substation.

The existing facility will remain in service until the new substation is commissioned. The new facility will be located on land to the rear of the existing substation.

Cessnock South zone substation was commissioned in early February 2018. All 11kV load has been transferred to the new substation.

Retirement and dismantling of the old Cessnock zone substation will be carried out during 2018. This involves removal of all electrical equipment and supports from the substation building and yard.

Ausgrid’s intention is to retain ownership of this site. It will most likely be used to extend the existing depot area.

The new substation will be an indoor/indoor design with most of the equipment housed within an architecturally designed building.

Ausgrid and architects Schreiber Hamilton have developed a cost-effective and functional concept to accommodate the equipment required within the available land parcel.

The building will be made from painted tilt-slab concrete panels with a colorbond roof. Neutral external colours have been employed to assist the building to blend in with its environment.

An architect’s sketch of the building can be seen above. 

Under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Ausgrid is the determining authority for this project.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was prepared for the project in accordance with Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and Clause 228 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000.

The EIA investigates the potential environmental impacts associated with the construction, operation and maintenance of the proposed substation. It also recommends mitigation measures as required to ensure any impacts are at acceptable levels. Ausgrid assessed the project for construction approval based on information contained in the EIA.

The basic size and shape of the building is necessary to meet electrcical  requirements, as well as to ensure the new substation can fit into the available space on a constrained site.

Ausgrid has consulted with adjoining neighbours as part of developing plans for the project.

We welcome questions and feedback at any time. Please get in touch via the contacts at right.

There will be some noise associated with the work involved in retiring the old substation. All activities will be subject to environmental controls to minimse impacts on the local community and the environment.