General News
31 January, 2023
Powercor exceeds powerpole target
POWERCOR has exceeded its first annual pole intervention target after replacing or reinforcing a record 7201 wooden power poles across western Victoria.
POWERCOR has exceeded its first annual pole intervention target after replacing or reinforcing a record 7201 wooden power poles across western Victoria.
Powercor conducted 271 interventions above its annual commitment of 6930 as outlined in its Bushfire Mitigation Plan, replacing 4051 poles and reinforcing 3150 poles, with 76 per cent located in hazardous bushfire risk areas.
Powercor head of major projects Marcus Olive said Powercor had delivered above its first annual target despite Victoria’s record-breaking rainfalls and major flooding.
The first annual target for reinforcement or replacement of poles in the existing network was part of a commitment to replace or reinforce at least 34,650 wood poles between 2022 and 2026.
“This year’s unstable weather has reinforced why it’s critical we continue investing in more resilient infrastructure to withstand climate threats,” Mr Olive said.
“By rolling out our pole intervention program, we are building a strong and safer network for our communities.
“Despite the weather challenges, we have still delivered the largest number of poles in recent memory to have been replaced or reinforced across western Victoria within a single year.”
Under its Bushfire Mitigation Plan submitted to Energy Safe Victoria, Powercor was required to deliver at least 90 per cent of its annual target with the approved plan providing a 10 per cent tolerance annually to allow for potential variables such as weather and access constraints.
“With many poles planned for replacement submerged in water or unsafe to access due to ground conditions, we safely adapted the program to ensure we were able to continue delivering on the commitment we made to our community,” Mr Olive said.
“In some cases, we have brought forward work on some poles that were to be part of our 2023 program, while those poles our crews couldn’t safely access will now be replaced or reinforced over the next few months.”
The poles which were replaced or reinforced were chosen based on an asset management approach taking in to consideration factors including the type of wood, age and prevailing weather conditions at their location.
Replacement poles have included a combination of concrete and hardwood timber, with materials specifically chosen to suit conditions for each area.