To prevent potential statewide blackouts in South Australia, a $1 billion development project has been introduced by NSW Government, with jobs on offer if approved.
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Project EnergyConnect is set to see transmission lines constructed that would connect the Riverina with South Australia, introducing 700 ongoing jobs to the local economy.
Mayor of Murrumbidgee Council, Ruth McRae, is excited by the prospect.
"Any development that could bring positive job growth to the region is exciting," Ms McRae said.
"From what I have read, the project does seek to use local contractors and our people on the ground.
"The high level expertise of course will be a really specialised skillset, which I would imagine we don't have locally, but for the lesser contracts I'm sure there will be a positive impact."
Chairman of Regional Development Australia Riverina, Richard Allsopp, agreed by stating the project could bring more than just working positions.
"The energy security will encourage more businesses to come here," Mr Allsopp said.
"They will think 'they have the power, they have the water, they have the infrastructure'."
"More reliable electricity, a major amount of money spent, 800 initial jobs and 700 ongoing jobs, and electricity prices could also come down."
The project was made possible by a state government-commissioned report by Australian Energy Market Operator, who found that more system blackouts were possible and suggested that improvements be implemented.
Project EnergyConnect was then introduced as an answer to the problem, creating a supply path between South Australia and NSW that would aim to reduce the impact of outages in extreme weather.
The constructed supply path would follow existing transmission lines, which already run straight through the MIA between Coleambally and Darlington Point.
CEO of TransGrid, Paul Italiano, says the project will be crucial to energy security in South Australia.
"Any section of the network could break down, and you could still have energy flowing around the system," Mr Italiano said.
"It's a very significant contribution to the system's security."
Project EnergyConnect is also set to reduce residential electricity bills by an average of $30 annually.
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