ETSA Utilities, Keswick, South Australia, has invested $2.7 million to upgrade electricity supplies to the township of Cowell, on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula.
The work on ETSA Utilities' network will provide greater quality and consistency of electricity supply to Cowell residents and businesses.

ETSA Utilities General Manager Services, Sue Filby, said that the essential works were part of a long-term enhancement program. "ETSA Utilities is committed to improving the reliability of the network, and the Cowell project is the first step in a structured three-year plan for the Eyre Peninsula," Ms Filby said.

The Cowell project includes the installation of a new transformer and the conversion of approximately 20 km of existing 11 kV overhead powerline to 33 kV. A temporary generator is switched on during the day to allow crews to work on the de-energised powerlines and to minimize the risk of power interruptions during this time.

"Extra crews are being sent from Port Lincoln and Cleve to assist in the project, and we have also enlisted the services of local contractors to maximize efficiency," she said.

The project is due for completion in October in preparation for the busy summer months.

The Eyre Peninsula - one of a number of key regional areas earmarked for network upgrades - will see a series of major customer-driven projects over the next few years.

"The design of a new substation and 33 kV sub-transmission line Point Boston, a new development near Port Lincoln, is currently underway," she said. "We are also scheduled to upgrade the Arno Bay and Cleve substations and sub-transmission network in 2009, followed by the upgrade of the 66 kV sub-transmission network from Wudinna to Ceduna in 2010/11.