Work has commenced on a $15.5 million SA Power Networks' project, designed to support growth and increasing electricity demand on the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island.

The Southern Outer Metro (SOM) 66-kilovolt (kV) Upgrade Project will be undertaken in two stages: 

• Upgrade of the Morphett Vale East to Willunga 66kV line in 2024 (replacing the existing overhead conductor with a higher rated overhead conductor) 
• Upgrade of Port Noarlunga to Aldinga 66kV line in 2025 (replacing the existing overhead conductor with a higher rated overhead conductor) 

The Outer South and Fleurieu regions are forecast for additional electricity load growth over the next 10 years. This is attributed to the SA Government’s forecast of additional dwellings and ongoing infrastructure expansion to support the increase in local population.  

The SOM 66 kV loop is an integral part of the southern suburbs’ network, providing supply to approximately 51,500 homes and businesses on the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island.  

SA Power Networks’ Head of Asset Operations, Matt Napolitano, said the project would be integral to maintaining the region’s reliability and system security. 

“This network is the sole source of supply for parts of the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island, and to support this region’s growth plans, they will need a network which can reliably cater to new levels of electricity demand”, said Mr Napolitano. 

“This work, which comprises re-stringing 25km of powerline with higher capacity conductor, will increase the capacity of the SOM network to accommodate forecast demand growth out to 2035. The two 66kV lines will be upgraded in consecutive years, 2024 and 2025, to minimise the operational and system security implications during construction work”. 

Notable growth plans for the region include: 

• SA Government plans for housing infill and greenfield development in the southern outer metro region  
• Longer-term development plans for Victor Harbor, Goolwa, Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island 
• Ongoing Underground Residential Development (URD) connections in the Onkaparinga Heights, Port Noarlunga, Seaford, Aldinga, Goolwa and Victor Harbor regions.   

SA Power Networks undertook the Regulatory Investment Test for Distribution Projects (RIT-D), which assesses the economic and technical impact of major network investments, and that they are in the long-term interests of customers. The project was identified as the lowest overall cost option, following public consultation via the RIT-D process. 

Mr Napolitano said that SA Power Networks is working to minimise disruption to customers and motorists.  

“There will be some localised power outages along the line route so that we can safely replace the existing conductors.  We will work to minimise any outages and will notify customers in advance to give them time to make any necessary arrangements.” 

“The 66,000 volt transmission line involves large poles and conductors. Therefore, there will be some localised road closures as we install the new poles and remove the existing ones.  Between now and the end of November 2024 we will be replacing approximately 40 poles between Morphett Vale East and Willunga.  As with electricity interruptions, we will notify local landowners about road closures.  We are not planning night works and most work will be completed between 7.00am and 5.00pm with some weekend work involved.”