AGL Energy Limited (AGL) today announced that it will commence a major refurbishment program at its West Kiewa Power Station from 26 March 2013 until 30 July 2013. The refurbishment program includes installing new turbines and main inlet valves in the power station. The program demonstrates AGL's ongoing commitment to the renewable energy resources available from the existing Kiewa Hydro-electric Scheme.

As a result of the works, AGL expects that residents will see a minor increase in traffic flow on the road that runs into West Kiewa Power Station from Mt Beauty. River flow changes will comply with the correct rates of rise and fall, as required by AGL's water agreement with Goulburn Murray Water. The following changes to the Kiewa River flows are:

  • The West Kiewa River running past the spillway and Mt Beauty Caravan Park will revert to natural flows as releases from the Mt Beauty Regulating Pondage will cease for the duration of the refurbishment works
  • The East Kiewa River flows will increase over this period as the natural inflows into the Junction Dam will be diverted from the Kiewa Scheme, by spilling over the wall at Clover Dam to maintain minimum flows in the Kiewa River
  • Additional flows resulting from rainfall will be spilled over Clover Dam.
  • Residents and tourists in the East Kiewa area that are hiking, horse riding or four wheel driving throughout the Easter break or over the coming months may notice increased river levels at the end of Rock Pool Road in Mt Beauty and at the East Kiewa River crossing below Clover Dam wall. AGL advises all recreational users of these crossings to be safe and mindful that the river flows may increase at any time which may prevent the use of these crossings at times.

AGL's intention is to maintain water in the Mt Beauty Regulating Pondage (the lake in Mt Beauty) however at some stage it will be necessary to empty the pondage to carry out maintenance works in the Power Station tailrace and on the Pondage's outlet gate. AGL will advise scheduled dates for these activities in the coming weeks.

Interested recreational users can contact AGL Hydro on (03) 5754 3222 for more information on the flow conditions at these crossings.

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.