ENERGEX’S proposed Mudgeeraba to Tugun powerline upgrade has been shelved and will be reviewed until early 2012, says Energy and Water Utilities minister Stephen Robertson.

An Energex spokesman said the suspension arose because of a number of factors such as the Tugun Desalination Plant requiring less electricity due to operating on "hot standby" mode, conflicts between the project and proposed Gold Coast Airport Expansions, existing utilities conflicting with some proposed Palm Beach underground sections and a decision that "electricity demand on the southern Gold Coast can be sufficiently serviced from the existing network until October 2017" despite the fact "overall growth is continuing".

"Due to this reduced urgency for network reinforcement, Energex now has time to undertake a formal review of network solutions for the area to ensure the final project progressed through to construction is the best possible network solution to service current and future growth on the southern Gold Coast electricity network," the spokesman said.

"Energex will be assessing numerous other solutions, including upgrading existing powerlines and substations, lower voltage solutions and alternative corridor configurations.p

"The review will take account of all issues raised by stakeholders, and all technical and environmental factors identified during the community infrastructure designation process to date."

A community reference group meeting will be held tomorrow night.