Crews have completed work on a $500,000 upgrade to the powerline between Walcha and Tia and have started work upgrading the network in Croudace, Middle and Legge streets.

Regional general manager Matt Patterson said in town, the work will involve replacing 10 power poles, installing a new pole mounted substation and upgrading low voltage powerlines to high voltage lines in Croudace and Middle streets.

“Following this a second pole substation will be installed in Legge Street, powerlines will be increased to three-phase which involves putting up a new line, and a small number of poles will be changed - services connected to homes will also be upgraded as part of the project.

“The $185,000 investment will significantly increase the capacity of the local network catering for future growth, while enhancing the power infrastructure making it stronger and more reliable in delivering power to our customers,” Mr Patterson said.

To minimise the disturbance to customers specialised live line techniques will be used throughout the upgrades.

“With our customers in mind we will complete a lot of the upgrade using live line techniques which allows crews to work on powerlines while they remain energised, however, some supply interruptions will be necessary - we apologise for any inconvenience caused,” he said.

Work is expected to be completed by the end of December 2009.

The refurbishment of power infrastructure in the Walcha area is part of $68 million Country Energy is investing to improve and maintain the network across the New England North West area this financial year.