In an era where building a more resilient, reliable and future energy ready power system is paramount, Essential Energy stands at the forefront, showcasing its unwavering commitment to fostering progress in the country New South Wales town of Berrigan. With a focus on the Berrigan Shire Council’s ‘Beautification Project’ in Chanter Street, Essential Energy is set to help redefine its regional urban landscape through strategic investments and innovative electricity infrastructure solutions.

Functional beautification

The Beautification Project is a testament to Essential Energy’s dedication to supporting the enhancement of the aesthetic and functional aspects within the regional, rural and remote communities it services.

Thanks to the strategic planning relationship and Council’s successful grant application through the New South Wales Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund, the energy distributor is facilitating the transition from traditional power poles and overhead wires to underground cables along the regional community’s main street.

According to Essential Energy’s Chief Operating Officer, Luke Jenner, this initiative not only promises a visually appealing streetscape but also addresses several practical concerns.

“Underground electricity assets have a reduced need for vegetation maintenance which includes trimming the trees to avoid overhang or contact with the powerlines [distribution lines]. It can also offer enhanced safety and reliability. Unlike overhead cables, which are susceptible to weather conditions, vehicular accidents and the risk of conductors hitting the ground, underground cables present a more resilient alternative,” Jenner says.

“This project also provides the opportunity to increase the network’s electricity capacity to allow for future development and increase the amount of customer rooftop solar generation that can be exported to the grid.”

Network upgrades

Essential Energy’s investment in Berrigan Shire Council extends beyond the Beautification Project. Since 2022, Essential Energy has allocated A$1 million [US$629,000] toward network upgrades aimed at bolstering the reliability, resilience and flexibility of the electricity network within the region.

This effort includes the replacement of aging public streetlights with modern and efficient LED lights that enhance visibility and safety, as well as contributing to energy efficiency and reduced operational costs.

Along with building a more resilient and reliable electricity network, Essential Energy is also investing in a program of works capable of supporting future energy.

As the National Electricity Market shifts from single-source coal-power electricity generation to renewable solar and wind generation within communities, Essential Energy needs to prepare its network for the two-way flow of energy by strengthening its infrastructure.

“These projects are designed to fortify the local electricity supply and facilitate the integration of commercial-scale solar and battery storage solutions, allowing grid-connected renewable energy to play a pivotal role in Berrigan’s regional development,” Jenner explains.

“Regional communities, like Berrigan, have the power to harness renewable energy to generate economic growth. By increasing the amount of renewable energy generated and stored locally in the community, the regions can attract new industry creating local investment and employment opportunities.

“This is good for the network, customers and communities and enables them to directly benefit from the energy transition.”

Building a strong collaboration

The collaborative relationship between Essential Energy and Berrigan Shire Council is built on a foundation of joint strategic planning, aimed at aligning the electricity network capabilities with Council’s long-term aspirations. One prime example of this synergy is the town of Tocumwal, which is rapidly emerging as a hub of regional growth and progress. The relationship is allowing for the development of network plans to empower Council to harness new growth and development opportunities in Tocumwal.

Specifically, Essential Energy is planning for a second feeder line from Berrigan to Tocumwal in the coming years, which will substantially enhance the town’s electrical infrastructure and support its burgeoning development.

As one of Australia’s largest electricity distribution networks, servicing over 900,000 homes and businesses across 95 percent of New South Wales and parts of southern Queensland, Essential Energy’s modernization and innovation are key to supporting regional, rural and remote communities.

It is also crucial to managing the power system with the transition to multifaceted renewable energy generation sources and the increase of major climate events across the Essential Energy network footprint. Strategic working relationships with councils like Berrigan are fundamental and invaluable to supporting the change and growth needed for the regional, rural and remote communities of New South Wales to socially and economically prosper.