Aurora Energy in Australia is planning to invest more than $230 million over the next 10 years in developing its distribution system in response to rapid load growth across the state.

Aurora’s General Manager Network John Devereaux, said Aurora’s 2006 load forecasting had identified 15 specific areas exceeding load growth of 2.4% per annum, reflecting large commercial site developments, the rapid growth of residential subdivisions and the strong take-up of electrical heating.

In addition, he said there were several areas where recent growth was creating capacity issues, which needed to be addressed quickly with a significant investment in new infrastructure.

Growth hot spots include:
· Hobart Eastern Shore including Cambridge, Howrah and Tranmere areas
· Kingston/Margate/Electrona
· Greater Launceston
· Devonport, including Port Sorell and Wesley Vale
· Hobart Western Shore, including Central Hobart and the northern suburbs
· East Coast, in particular St Helens and Triabunna
· Burnie, in particular the CBD, and Penguin, Wynyard; and
· West Coast area, in particular Zeehan.

“Tasmania has been going through a significant period of very welcome economic growth in recent years,” Devereaux said. “It is essential that we make this investment in Tasmania's electricity distribution network over the next 10 years to ensure that the increasing demand for electricity is met and future economic growth is not inhibited.

"The rapid change in technology used in businesses and homes and the growth in commercial investment in regional areas of Tasmania, are among the factors we have taken into account in developing our network investment strategy.

“There is a long lead-time in planning and construction for these projects so it is essential that we make a start quickly to ensure we stay ahead of rising demand levels.

“Our submission to the Tasmanian Energy Regulator, which is currently being considered as part of the pricing determination, includes a program of work covering a five-year period but our plans also take into account work that needs to be undertaken in a 10-year timeframe.

“We must ensure that the reliability and quality of supply keep pace with community expectations. A safe, reliable electricity supply is absolutely essential to the future of the state.”