Power talks to continue

Eyre Peninsula Tribune
17/01/2008 Page: 3

The District Council of Franklin Harbour is calling for a long-term power solution for the Cowell region. Despite a $2.7 million powerline upgrade to the Cowell community late last year, consumers in Cowell and Lucky Bay were still plagued by power surges and breaks during the peak summer period. The council met last week to discuss the community's ongoing electricity deficiencies and is calling for a solid commitment from ETSA in 2008.

Plans are underway to complete Stage 2 of the Cowell major upgrade in 2009. This upgrade will involve either a new 33kV line form Yabmana to Mount Millar Wind Farm or conversion of the 11kV line form Yabmana to Cleve. An ETSA spokesman told council the Stage 2 project provides for existing and expected future demand as the Cowell township continues to grow. However, District Council of Franklin Harbour CEO Bruce Francis says Cowell is growing even faster than ETSA will admit.

Despite recent upgrades and planning in the lead-up to the 2007 peak summer period, Lucky Bay and Cowell were both left without power at different times over the summer break. Mr Francis said council would continue to lobby for improved infrastructure. However, as the wait continues, local businesses report they now risk losing their 'no claim' bonuses as insurance claims continue to grow. Mr Francis encouraged consumers to log onto the ETSA Utilities website and download claim forms, before going to their own insurance providers.