Overhead powerlinesand underground cables

About Energex

Energex is South East Queensland’s electricity distributor, powering more than 3.2 million members of our community with a safe and reliable electricity supply.

Building the right infrastructure

Our distribution network is comprised of both overhead powerlines and underground cables.

Energex operates in the National Electricity Market, so we are obliged to develop the most cost effective network solution within the broader context of our environmental, technical and community responsibilities.

Due to the impact severe weather can have on our overhead network, underground cables may appear to be the better alternative. However in most cases, overhead powerlines deliver the best value for customers due to the high construction costs of underground cables.

The changing face of our suburbs

Most older, longer-established, residential areas continue to be well served by overhead powerlines. However, during the 1980s, Queensland local governments mandated that, for aesthetic reasons, powerlines in new residential subdivisions would be placed underground.

The additional cost of placing the lines underground is paid for by the developer, and passed on to homebuyers in the purchase price of their block of land.

Overhead versus underground

Overall, there are more benefits to building an overhead network. However, in some cases we will examine the significant additional cost of underground cables in relation to the benefits it could bring.

Determining the most feasible solution

We consider a range of factors when determining the type of construction to be used for new or replacement distribution lines, these include:

● proximity to homes, roads and parkland

● construction impacts on local homes and businesses

● technical needs

● legislative requirements

● availability of suitable land for overhead powerlines.

Most of our high voltage transmission lines are built overhead due to cost, ease of repair and environmental considerations. However, it may be necessary to lay cables underground if there is no viable overhead corridor, such as in densely populated areas or near airports.

Benefits Costs

Ove

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lines • Affordable

• Easy to construct

• Easily accessible for repairs

• Quicker restoration of damaged powerlines

• Have a long working life

• Vegetation retained

• Higher chance of damage in severe weather

• Requires vegetation clearing for line maintenance

• Easement may be required

Und

ergr

ound

pow

er c

able

s • Reduced visual impact

• Less chance of damage from severe weather

• No hazard to low flying aircraft or wildlife

• Less subject to theft, illegal connections and damage

• Decreased operational cost over the lifetime of the cables

• Higher material, construction costs

• Higher costs to reinstate the land affected from trenching

• Impacts existing surfaces, such as driveways, roads and vegetation

• Damage is harder to locate and repair

• Difficult to access and location not obvious

• Vegetation is removed

• Susceptible to flooding in low lying areas

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Working with local councils

Energex has a good working relationship with local councils and considers the best possible solutions for new or replacement distribution lines. Energex has partnered with many councils to jointly fund projects that improve and enhance the area.

Examples include undergrounding exisiting powerline in major shopping precincts, sensitive environment and heritage areas, locations with significant vegetation, high pedestrian and vehicular areas and communities abutting bays, rivers and coastlines.

Electric and magnetic fields

We recognise there is community concern about the potential health impacts of electric and magnetic fields (EMFs), and fully comply with policies, rules and regulations set by the Federal and State Governments.

For more information, visit Energy Networks Association at www.ena.asn.au

Contact Energex

To report loss of supply: 13 62 62

For electricity emergencies: 13 19 62

For general enquiries: energex.com.au custserve@energex.com.au 13 12 53 (8am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday) Telephone interpreter service 13 14 50

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© Energex Limited 2014 ® Energex and Energex Positive Energy are registered trade marks of Energex Limited

Energex Limited ABN 40 078 849 055 GPO Box 1461, Brisbane QLD 4001

Overhead powerlines and underground cables