Covered conductor thick replacing HV ABC
Improving electricity reliability
We’re focused on providing reliable electricity supply and we continue to invest in the upgrade of electricity infrastructure leveraging the latest technology to build a safer, more resilient network.
High Voltage Aerial Bundled Cable (otherwise known as HV ABC) has proven to be a reliable method of supplying power to homes and business for over 40 years. While designed for outdoor use and continual exposure to the elements, continued exposure to UV from the sun leads to increased risk of failure as they age.
Ageing HVABC leading to power interruptions and needing repair
We are proactively replacing HV ABC before defects lead to more frequent and longer duration unplanned outages. In a targeted program addressing the highest risk areas, covered conductors will replace the traditional and ageing cables. We’re focusing our efforts to upgrade the wires in areas most prone to disruption from external factors like vegetation, storms and bushfires and your area is next.
Example of covered conductor
This is a large program of work, often requiring multiple days of interrupted power supply and we apologise in advance for these interruptions. We understand the importance of having ongoing power supply and as a result we will undertake all work quickly and safely to restore power as indicated.
Important considerations during the upgrade to covered conductors
- If you’re a life support customer please activate your back-up plan immediately. If you are not currently registered for life support and require power for the use of medical devices please call 131 003 to commence the registration process.
- Once power supply is lost, automatic garage doors will not open. It is always good to know how to manually open, close and safely secure your garage door in case of a loss of power.
- Some of the trucks used to repair electricity infrastructure are large and we may be forced to park across driveways to enable safe access to complete the work required. Talk to our crew when they arrive onsite if you need access to your vehicle, they will work with you to find a suitable time.
- We may leave poles on site at the completion of the job as they require a special vehicle to pick them up. This can take 3-5 business days, however rest assured we will soon return to collect them.
- Should there be adverse weather, the job may be rescheduled to another date – we know this is difficult where customers have made alternative arrangements, however our crew is unable to work on live wires during heavy rain or very strong winds.
- In rural areas, access to private property might be required for repairs, safety inspections or switching activities. Please allow our staff access - your power supply may not be interrupted but access to a pole on your property may be required to restore supply to others.
- If you have biodiversity risk associated with your property please let us know by calling 131 003.
What to expect when our team is onsite
In high risk areas, covered conductors will be installed across rural and semi-rural areas. Within these areas, there’s a limited capacity to back-feed electricity from other parts of our network which often leads to longer and more frequent power interruptions.
To achieve the greatest benefit for customers, up to 9kms of covered conductor will be replaced during this program of work, coupled with the replacement of poles to carry the new, heavier conductors. Our teams are highly experienced in conductor upgrades and will refurbish between 1-2km per day.
Given the size of this project you may experience all-day power interruptions, spread over several weeks. While the immediate disruption to your power supply is regrettable, we are making these necessary changes now to deliver long-term benefits in preparation for future bushfire and storm seasons.
Example of crew upgrading covered conductors on private property
Example of crew upgrading covered conductors along roadside
Example of team and equipment required for pole replacement
Why now?
We make all efforts to undertake this work during fair weather when it’s not too hot or cold. We are committed to providing a safer more resilient network in time for future bushfire and storm seasons.
Outage Hints and Tips:
Protect your personal safety, electrical equipment and improve your outage experience by following these helpful tips:
- try to keep your fridge and freezer closed as much as possible to avoid food spoiling
- switch off any electronic equipment and disconnect it from the power outlet prior to the interruption. This includes items such as computers, printers, internet modems & routers, media players, television sets and electronic timers
- switch off three phase motors such as air conditioners and garage doors
- recharge or replace batteries for portable devices such as mobile phones, tablets, radios and torches
- do not arrange for electrical work to be undertaken within your premises during the outage
- if you have solar panels, check your system is restored once the outage is complete. Not all solar inverters will switch back on automatically
- once your power has been switched off, remember any automatic/electric door (garage doors etc.) will not operate, so it is good to move your car out before the planned outage, or understand how to use the manual override
- in rural areas loss of power often results in loss of water. If you require power for water pumps at your property please consider alternate power generation (I.e. Petrol generators) or alternate water supplies for the duration of the outage
- gas powered stoves and hot water systems rely on electricity supply in order to ignite, you therefore will not have these available during the planned outage
- your NBN internet and home phone service will not be available without your electricity supply (unless backup infrastructure has been installed), so please make alternate arrangements
- don’t turn any electric appliances on during your planned outage and leave them on, as often they will turn on when supply is restored and you least expect it
- consider purchasing an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) connected to any critical devices which may be required during a planned outage
- a USB power bank may provide great backup to charge any USB devices (phones etc) during a planned outage
- our construction works often require road closures. This could affect bus routes on the day of the works, so please be across any potential impacts to your commute.
- please be aware that we may be working in your street on days scheduled for your bin pickup. If possible, try to place bins in a location that they can be picked up.
Questions or concerns
For further information about Endeavour Energy or outages in your area speak with our team on 131 003 or reach out using Facebook or Twitter