Background

Essential Energy will upgrade the electricity network in Thrumster, Port Macquarie, to strengthen power supply for the growing communities for Sovereign Hills and Thrumster. The project includes constructing a new 33/11kV Sovereign Hills Zone Substation, installing underground 33,000-volt cables connected to the Transgrid 132/33kV Zone Substation, and providing access by extending the road from the endpoint of Thrumster Street.

The substation will be constructed on a partially cleared site at 34 Thrumster Street, Thrumster, next to the Transgrid Zone Substation - refer to aerial images below.

Proposed site adjacent to Transgrid Zone Substation

Aerial of Thrumster and Sovereign Hills, showing location of new site at 34 Thrumster St

The image below of Essential Energy’s Kings Forest Zone Substation located in the Tweed region, illustrates the concept for Sovereign Hills. The new Zone Substation will include two external transformers, and electrical equipment and infrastructure to be housed inside a purpose-built building.

Image of Kings Forest Zone Substation

During construction, residents and businesses may experience temporary impacts, such as increased dust, vibrations and noise levels, selective vegetation removal to accommodate the new facilities and roadway, and increased traffic due to work vehicles accessing the site.

We appreciate the community's ongoing support and patience as we deliver this important infrastructure to strengthen power supply for the Sovereign Hills and Thrumster communities. We invite you to raise any concerns or provide feedback via email, and in person at our pop-up community information hub to be held in April 2026.