A multimillion-dollar upgrade to Wagga's energy lines is in the pipeline, with plans to reinforce 40-year-old transmission lines and bolster the city's power supply.
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The Humelink project is tipped to deliver cheaper power prices and more renewable energy to residents, which comes as welcome news to SolarWise Wagga owner Alex Manley.
Mr Manley said the upgrade was a long time coming for Wagga, which has been waiting on many major projects that have been stalled due to a lack of capacity in the system.
"There's a lot of investment in the pipeline, but a lot of the network connection agreements have been put on hold because the infrastructure is just not there," Mr Manley said.
"This will be good for the solar industry and it'll also be good for consumers, because it will help provide more supply during those peak times which are normally offset by gas turbines."
The project is a major redevelopment that stretches all the way from Wagga, down past Tumbarumba to Maragle, and then all the way up past Taralga into Bannaby.
The project is currently in the consultation phase, with TransGrid collecting input from landholders and property owners in the areas earmarked for development.
However, the coronavirus restrictions have thrown a wrench into the normal consultation proceedings, so they are asking Wagga residents with any complaints or queries to reach out.
TransGrid major projects executive manager Sean McGoldrick said he'd much rather do face-to-face meetings with the community, but would make do with an email or a phone call.
The project will involve building towers and other electrical infrastructure in and around people's properties, which is why Mr McGoldrick is encouraging affected landowners to contact them.
"We don't want COVID-19 to be an excuse for lack of engagement," Mr McGoldrick said.
"It may be a little stilted, but we'd much rather people reach out to us."
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Mr McGoldrick said the project would be a multimillion-dollar boost to the Wagga economy, with several years' worth of construction work slated for the region.
"It's a big project that's going to be there for a number of years if we get approval, and that means a lot of local businesses will be in the supply chain," Mr McGoldrick said.
Plans are still being finalised but if the project is approved, construction is due to start in early 2022.
A map of the planned route can be found on the TransGrid website, and those who have complaints or questions can direct them to humelink@transgrid.com.au or by calling them on 1800 317 367.
Kenji Sato
Kenji Sato is a handsome journalist at The Daily Advertiser who enjoys writing flattering bios about himself in the third person. He can be contacted by email at kenji.sato@dailyadvertiser.com.au or by mobile on 0448 927 612.
Kenji Sato is a handsome journalist at The Daily Advertiser who enjoys writing flattering bios about himself in the third person. He can be contacted by email at kenji.sato@dailyadvertiser.com.au or by mobile on 0448 927 612.
