History of Pacific Power (Australia) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 14, 2025

Pacific Power was a state-owned electricity generator in New South Wales, Australia, established in 1995 from the NSW Electricity Commission. It operated as a monopoly before being broken up between 1995 and 2003 into several entities, including TransGrid, Delta Electricity, Eraring Energy and Macquarie Generation. Its consultancy division, Pacific Power International, was acquired by Connell Wagner. Pacific Power played a significant role in the electricity industry of NSW before its restructuring and privatization.

May 1950: Electricity Commission Established

On 22 May 1950, the Electricity Commission of New South Wales was established by the Electricity Commission Act 1950. Its role was to take over power generation responsibility from the County Councils and the railways.

1950: Increased power capacity

Between 1950 and 1960 the commission more than trebled power capacity, from 490 megawatts to 1800.

1954: Tallawarra station near Port Kembla

In 1954, the Tallawarra station near Port Kembla was completed.

1956: Wangi station at Lake Macquarie

In 1956, the Wangi station at Lake Macquarie was completed.

1957: Wallerawang station near Lithgow

In 1957, the Wallerawang station near Lithgow was completed.

1960: Increased power capacity

Between 1950 and 1960 the commission more than trebled power capacity, from 490 megawatts to 1800.

1992: Trading name Pacific Power adopted

In 1992, The Electricity Commission adopted the trading name Pacific Power.

1995: Corporation formed

In 1995, Pacific Power was formed from the New South Wales Electricity Commission.

1995: Transmission assets split

In 1995, the transmission assets were split off into a new organisation called Transgrid.

1996: Two new entities split off

In 1996, two new entities were split off, Delta Electricity and Macquarie Generation.

2000: Remaining power stations transferred

In 2000, the remaining power stations were transferred to a new entity, Eraring Energy, and the consulting business sold to Connell Wagner.

2003: Corporation broken up

Between 1995 and 2003, Pacific Power was broken up into TransGrid, Delta Electricity, Eraring Energy and Macquarie Generation. The consultancy division, Pacific Power International was acquired by Connell Wagner at the same time.