CitiPower has lowered a 74-tonne high-voltage electricity transformer into its Dock Area Zone Substation, as part of an ongoing upgrade to the substation.
The transformer, which will convert electricity from 66,000V to 11,000V for use by the Port and for other network customers in the area, is a key part of CitiPower’s role in a major package of work in Melbourne’s west to improve capacity and reliability of electricity supply.
On 22 June 2022, a large crane was called-in to CitiPower’s Dock Area Zone Substation, on Footscray Road adjacent to Citylink, to help place the 4.8m high transformer into position.
The transformer is a key part of an upgrade to the Zone Substation, which acts to provide a crucial power supply for the area.
The work took six hours to complete, with all works on the site expected to be complete by September 2022.
Installation of transformer at the Zone Substation. Image courtesy of CitiPower.
The upgrade comes as the West Melbourne Terminal Station’s 22kV equipment has reached the end of its operating life, with CitiPower decommissioning powerlines and routing supply to other inner city Zone Substations, as part of the overall works package.
CitiPower’s Head of Major Projects, Marcus Olive, said the plans for the upgrade were approved in 2016 by the Australian Energy Regulator and would benefit customers across inner Melbourne.
“This is about continuing to deliver affordable, reliable and safe electricity to our customers, whether they’re the Port of Melbourne or a one-bedroom home, our approach remains the same,” Mr Olive said.
“This is an important milestone for this project and we look forward to continuing to work closely with our partners to complete this major works package.”
Featured image: Transformer being lowered on site as part of the Zone Substation upgrade. Image courtesy of CitiPower.
