01.19.01
Power Company TXU Spends $50 Million in Preventing Bushfires
Australia - Electricity distributor TXU Networks invested just over $50 million during 2000 in preparing its electricity distribution area for this summer’s bushfire season to ensure power supply is maintained for customers and emergency services.
Mr Peter Magarry, General Manager TXU Networks, said that regular audits and inspections had been conducted on more than 90,000 poles and overhead powerlines throughout the year to ensure that all maintenance work on the distribution network was completed.
“Hardware attached to poles such as fuse fittings, or lightning arresters, which help reduce the damage to a transformer during a lightning strike, were checked to ensure they met with the current standards. Poles and cross arms were inspected for rot and if necessary, these were replaced,” Mr Magarry said.
“More than $16 million has been spent in vegetation management to keep tree branches and other vegetation away from our overhead powerlines. Tree branches clashing with powerlines can start a bushfire and are one of the most common causes for interruptions to electricity supply.
“Approximately 48,000 spans of our overhead powerline system were cleared to ensure the tree clearance from overhead wires for fire safety was achieved prior to the start of the fire season,” he said.
In addition to general maintenance activities, TXU has continued its commitment with investment in technologies designed to reduce the risk of bushfires and improve supply reliability. Devices such as automated switches have continued to be installed on the high voltage network which will interrupt supply with events such as strong winds blowing tree branches across overhead wires.
Additionally, Mr Magarry cautioned that in the event of a bushfire in some instances, firefighting authorities will require electricity companies to turn off electricity supply as a safety precaution.
Mr Magarry said that such problems could result in the loss of power supply, even in areas several kilometres away from a fire. This may result in a significant reduction in water pressure and affect telephone and other communication services.
“It is important for Victorians to be aware of what happens to electricity supply during a bushfire and how they can prepare themselves to cope in such a circumstance.” he said.
For further information, please contact:
Alain Grossbard, TXU Networks Media spokesperson
on telephone (03) 9229 6160
or 0417 364 836 (24 hours).
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