01 Oct 2026
Evoenergy has begun work on a major electricity network upgrade in Civic that will help support new developments and the ACT’s pathway to electrification.
The Civic network upgrade involves installing four new underground 11kV high voltage feeder cables that will run from the Civic Zone Substation at the foot of Black Mountain through Canberra’s city centre. The feeders will deliver more power where it is needed, helping ensure customers continue to have access to a safe and reliable electricity supply as demand grows.
The project is an important part of Evoenergy’s investment in Canberra’s future. As Canberra continues to grow and electrify, demand on the electricity network is increasing. New residential and commercial developments, the transition from gas to electricity and the growing uptake of electric vehicles all mean Canberra’s electricity network will need to deliver more power to homes, businesses and public spaces in the heart of Canberra.
Eight new underground conduits, which are the pipes that electricity cables are housed in, are being installed: four conduits for the new 11kV feeder cables and four spare conduits to support future network upgrades. Installing the feeders and spare conduits together will help Evoenergy meet future electricity needs more efficiently and reduce the need for repeated major construction works in the area.
Works are being delivered in stages from the Civic Zone Substation, along Barry Drive, Marcus Clarke Street, Hobart Place, London Circuit, Northbourne Avenue and Cooyong Street. Construction methods include digging trenches where the new conduits can be safely installed, using under-boring to create tunnels beneath roads or sensitive areas for the conduits, and building pits that allow crews to pull the conduits and cables through, and connect them underground.
Evoenergy has partnered with Zinfra to deliver the works safely and efficiently. Some temporary impacts are expected during construction, including road and lane closures, changes to pedestrian and cyclist access, night works, noise and general construction activity. Access around work areas will be managed through approved traffic arrangements, signage and staged delivery.
We recognise that these impacts are likely to be inconvenient, particularly with other major projects happening nearby. We have been in touch with local businesses and residents to keep them informed about the project and have done our best to minimise disruption. Where possible, we have coordinated our works with other construction projects in the area and selected construction methods suitable for sensitive and high-traffic areas, such as under-boring or scheduling works at night. We are also installing spare conduits now to help minimise future disruption.
We thank the community, local businesses, road users, pedestrians and cyclists for their patience while this important work is underway.
Construction is expected to be completed by June 2027, subject to weather and construction conditions.
For the latest information about the project visit www.evoenergy.com.au/CivicNetworkUpgrade
For information about other upgrades Evoenergy is delivering across the network visit www.evoenergy.com.au/Future-energy/Network-projects
For the latest information about road closures visit www.cityservices.act.gov.au/roads-and-paths/act_public_road_closures
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