Ergon Energy is preparing for a future which will see regional Queenslanders using power in smarter ways with a massive $116.1 million capital works budget planned across Wide Bay in the 2008/09 financial year.

Ongoing projects being funded in the Wide Bay region this year include the new $28.7 million Bundaberg Central substation, a $17 million upgrade to the Gayndah substation and a $21 million redevelopment of the Mundubbera substation.

Work also will continue on the high-voltage powerlines being erected from the recently upgraded Maryborough bulk supply point to a new substation site at Nikenbah, Hervey Bay, at a cost of $26 million.

The spend was part of Ergon Energy's $1.07 billion capital works programme, the largest in the company's history. Installation of network control technology designed to reduce the impacts of power interruptions would form a significant portion of infrastructure projects for the year also. "Ergon Energy's investment into regional Queensland's electricity network in recent years is proving to be money well spent," explained Acting Chief Executive Officer Ian McLeod.

"But we are now also putting initiatives in place to ensure we are running a sustainable energy business to deliver benefits for our shareholders, customers and the environment we all share."
Mr McLeod said Ergon Energy would pursue a range of business initiatives which also included setting up its own sustainable wood power pole forestry, driving solar power technologies and industry-leading demand management programs. "The greatest contribution Ergon Energy can make to tackling climate change is to help our customers reduce electricity consumption," Mr McLeod said, "and that will be better for our customers back pockets too.

"Energy conservation which reduces peak loads is also better for our business, it means we don't have to spend as much bulking up our network to cope with small windows of peak energy demand as the population and economy continues to grow." Mr McLeod said. These projects require on-going recruitment for a wide variety of trade skilled workers including; Electrical Fitter Mechanics, Linespersons, Live Line Linespersons, Trainers and assessors and Cable Jointers across the state.

Their workforce of around 4,500 employees work 9 day fortnights, have access to incentivised training programs, the ability to travel across regional Queensland, and Graduate Programmes.