FAQs
- Stage 1: Vegetation removal (Feb 2026)
- Stage 2: Site investigations and design (Mar–Apr 2026)
- Stage 3: Major construction and earthworks (Jun–Dec 2026)
- Stage 4: Electrical works (2027)
- Stage 5: Commissioning (mid-2027)
- Weekdays between 7am – 6 pm
- Saturdays between 8am – 1pm
- Sundays following consultation with directly impacted residents
- Stage 1 – via College Drive and Partridge Creek
- Stage 2-5 – Thrumster Street
- check their contact details are up-to-date with their electricity retailer,
- check they have not opted out of SMS notifications, and
- have a power contingency plan in place, particularly those relying on power for their wellbeing. Resources to help create a plan are available at lifesupport.poweroutageplan.com.au/
Why is Essential Energy constructing a new Zone Substation in Port Macquarie?
Essential Energy is constructing a new substation to strengthen power supply for the growing communities of Thrumster and Sovereign Hills, expected to reach around 7,000 by 2036.
Where will the new Zone Substation be located?
The substation will be built at 34 Thrumster Street, Thrumster, on Essential Energy-owned land, near Transgrid’s existing facility.
Why can’t the Transgrid Zone Substation be used?
Transgrid’s Zone Substation is designed to carry high voltage electricity across the grid. For the community of Thrumster and Sovereign Hills, a low-voltage substation is required.
The Sovereign Hills Zone Substation will convert the high voltage electricity from the nearby Transgrid Zone Substation to a safe voltage for distribution to the local community.
Can the Sovereign Hills network battery be used instead?
No. The battery is not designed to provide continuous power which the community needs. It is designed to maximise solar generation and exports and drive better network utilisation.
Further information can be viewed at essentialenergy.com.au/our-network/network-projects/sovereign-hills-network-battery
When will construction commence?
Construction is planned for 2026 - 2027 (subject to weather), as follows (indicative only):
How are environment and community impacts being managed?
The project has been assessed under Part 5, Division 5.1, of Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to minimise environmental impact. Noise and flood impacts have been considered as part of the assessment. Construction noise will be moderate and temporary, while operational noise is expected to be negligible.
A copy of the Review of Environmental Factors for this development can be viewed at planningportal.nsw.gov.au/part-5/sovereign-hills-substation
Has flooding impacts been considered?
A flood study has been completed with the modelling indicating the proposed development would not cause any impacts to the rural residential properties along Thrumster Street.
Refer to Appendix B: Flood Impact Assessment of the Review of Environmental Factors – Addendum which can be viewed at planningportal.nsw.gov.au/part-5/sovereign-hills-substation-0 for a copy of the study.
What are the construction days and hours?
Work will mainly occur:
Will large machinery be used?
Yes. Some larger construction equipment will be needed at certain stages of the project. During Stage 3, there will be periods where residents may notice increased activity as machinery moves to and front the site.
Essential Energy will work closely with the Council to minimise impacts on roads and the community, promptly addressing any impacts in consultation with Port Macquarie Hastings Council as the road authority.
How will the site be accessed?
Essential Energy and Port Macquarie Hastings Council have determined access to the site will be as follows:
How is the community being consulted?
Essential Energy values ongoing community feedback and has been engaging with residents and the Council since mid-2025. Updates and opportunities for input will continue throughout the project.
How has visual amenity been considered?
The site is set back from residential areas, with limited visibility for most residents. Existing and new underground powerlines will be used to minimise visual impacts.
Will I be charged for this upgrade?
This project does not directly impact on the bills of local customers. Essential Energy’s projects are reviewed every five years and approved by the Australian Energy Regulator. The cost of those projects is then recovered from energy consumers over the long-term, typically around 40-50 years.
Will Essential Energy be completing construction work?
Specialist contractors will be engaged for some stages, with Essential Energy teams leading the electrical works and commissioning.
How will stakeholders and the community stay informed?
Regular updates will be provided, and community questions are always welcome. Construction activities and news will be published on the project site.
Will there be any planned power outages?
Minimal planned power outages are expected throughout the project, with some customers likely to be affected as part of Stage 5 when our teams are connecting the zone substation to the electricity network. Customers affected by planned power outages will be notified at least four working days prior.
We recommended customers:
How can I get more information?
The project team’s contact details are available on the project page.