Bulloo Shire Council has received funding from the Queensland government via the Queensland Microgrid Pilot Fund for the development of a feasibility study for a local microgrid encompassing whole-town alternative energy solutions in Thargomindah.

Thargomindah is situated at the end of a 200km overhead distribution network owned and operated by Ergon Energy. This network also services many rural properties via multiple Single Wire Earth Return systems connected to the backbone feeder. The town frequently experiences electricity reliability problems including brownouts and blackouts. Like many remote fringe-of-grid communities, the 22 kilovolt (kV) powerline that supplies Thargomindah has limited capacity which can constrain future development at Thargomindah and the surrounding communities and rural properties.  This is a major concern and limitation for existing businesses and for new businesses seeking to establish in Thargomindah.

Bulloo Shire Council (Council) wishes to revitalise Thargomindah through initiatives that will support liveability and improved social and community outcomes across the region for the future.