AGL Energy (AGL), operator of the Hallett Hill wind farm (Hallett 2) located in mid-north South Australia near the township of Mt Bryan, has recently completed comprehensive noise testing to confirm that it has fixed the tonality issue with the Hallett 2 wind turbines.

In December 2010, AGL identified that under certain wind conditions tones from the Hallett 2 wind turbines were audible at the nearest residence. We promptly voluntarily shut down a number of wind turbines in proximity to the residence.

AGL has been working with the turbine supplier to rectify this issue and also with the neighbouring resident to coordinate access for testing. Implementation of a permanent acoustic treatment for the turbines commenced late last year before the wind farm resumed normal operation and a specialist independent noise consultant was engaged to assess performance of the fix.

AGL General Manager Power Development Scott Thomas said: "We are pleased to advise that the tonality issue at the Hallett Hill wind farm has been fixed, with recent testing showing that there are no audible tones from the wind turbines at the closest residence at all wind speeds."

"We take any concerns about our projects very seriously and would like to thank and acknowledge the patience of our nearest neighbours."

"AGL is working with the turbine supplier to ensure a similar solution is rolled out across our fleet of similar turbines where tonality issues exist. In the meantime and as a precautionary approach, AGL has voluntarily put operational constraints on some wind turbines where audible tones have been detected, including the Oaklands Hill Wind Farm in South West Victoria, until the permanent treatment is installed."

AGL is committed to working with the local communities in which we operate to allow our neighbours to live at their residences without disturbance from audible tones and to ensure that our wind farms meet all regulatory requirements.

About AGL

AGL is one of Australia's leading integrated renewable energy companies and is taking action toward creating a sustainable energy future for our investors, communities and customers. Drawing on 175 years of experience, AGL operates retail and merchant energy businesses, power generation assets and an upstream gas portfolio. AGL has one of Australia's largest retail energy and dual fuel customer bases. AGL has a diverse power generation portfolio including base, peaking and intermediate generation plants, spread across traditional thermal generation as well as renewable sources including hydro, wind, landfill gas and biomass. AGL is Australia's largest private owner and operator of renewable energy assets and is looking to further expand this position by exploring a suite of low emission and renewable energy generation development opportunities.