The Power and Water Corporation was formed on 1 July 2002, taking over from the former government utility, Power and Water Authority. Power and Water became the first government-owned corporation in the Northern Territory.
Electricity
There are three power networks, or electricity grids, in the NT, with each network the Australian Energy Regulator managing investment and efficiency, while PowerWater manages the day-to-day-operations. These networks are:[1]
The northern network, covering the area from Darwin in the north, to south of Katherine, servicing around 150,000 people
The Tennant Creek network services around 7,000 people in and around Tennant Creek
The southern electrical grid services the Alice Springs area, servicing around 28,000 people
The Weddell Power Station was constructed in 2008–2014.[2] The first two generators came on line in 2008–2009. The third generator was due to be completed in 2011–2012 but did not get commissioned until 2014. The power station added 30% capacity to Darwin's power supply.[3]
Water
PowerWater is also responsible for management of sewerage and the major water catchments in the region. Water is mainly stored in the largest dam, The Darwin River Dam which holds up to 90% of Darwin's water supply. For many years, Darwin's principal water supply came from Manton Dam.