Integral Energy invests $411,000 into Power Quality Centre

19-July-2002

Groundbreaking research at the University of Wollongong into finding solutions to future problems facing the energy industry has been rewarded with a $411,000 investment from Integral Energy.

At a special ceremony held today (16 July) the Chief Executive Officer of Integral Energy, Mr Richard Powis, signed an agreement with the University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gerard Sutton, on behalf of UOW's Power Quality Centre.

Integral Energy's investment extends for the three-year period 2002-2005 and represents the third such agreement reached between Integral Energy and the University. The nation's first Power Quality Centre was established in 1996 through an initial $400,000 Integral Energy grant.

The Power Quality's objective is to work with industry to improve the quality and reliability of the electricity supply to industrial, commercial and domestic users. The Centre specialises in research into the control of distortion of the supply voltage, training in power quality issues at all levels, and specialised consultancy services for solution of power quality problems.

Research Engineer with the Integral Energy Power Quality Centre, Dr Vic Smith, said one of the highlights of the past three years was Australia's first national power quality survey which was conceived and initiated by the Centre in conjunction with Illawarra Technology Corporation.

Integral Energy CEO Richard Powis said the investment in the Centre made good business sense. "Since 1996 we've invested nearly $1.2 million in the Centre. Through our support we're able to partner with a leading university new ways to supply better service for our customers and improve the quality of supply they receive in their homes and businesses.

"Supporting the Centre also represents an investment in the people who will form the future backbone of the industry & the next generation of electrical power engineers."

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wollongong, Professor Gerard Sutton, said the support by Integral Energy of the Power Quality Centre over such a long period was welcomed by the University.

"The partnership reflects the vision of the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Richard Powis, - and it is a partnership critical to the electricity industry in this country," Professor Sutton said.

Media note: for more information contact Bernie Goldie on 4221 5942.