ETSA Utilities, South Australia, has achieved a significant milestone with the completion of works at the newly constructed Arno Bay substation on Eyre Peninsula. Power was switched on September 24 to energize the new substation, which will effectively increase the supply capacity to residents and businesses in Arno Bay.

The substation is one of two recently constructed by ETSA Utilities as part of the $3.6 million Clean Seas project, which also involves a major upgrade of a 12.5-km section of the powerline between Cleve and Arno Bay. The Clean Seas project is designed to support aquaculture development in Arno Bay.

Since early mid-September, Arno Bay has had its power supplied by three temporary generators, operating around the clock while mains supply was switched off to allow works to be completed on the substation.

Sue Filby, General Manager Services, said the latest works involved approximately 40 employees from depots across the State and as far as Victoria.

"Ten crews have been on site from our depots at Cleve, Port Lincoln, Port Augusta, Nuriootpa, Yorke Peninsula and Geelong to minimize any interruption to customers during this time," Filby said.

The Clean Seas project, which commenced in April 2008, is due to be completed on schedule in November.

Two of the generators from Arno Bay will then be moved to Cleve for the 2008/09 summer period, with work scheduled to start on the planned upgrade of the Cleve substation in the new year.