Covered conductor replacement
In a targeted program addressing the highest risk areas, we’re replacing the traditional and ageing cables with covered conductor.
Improving electricity reliability
High voltage aerial bundled cable (otherwise known as HV ABC) has proven to be a reliable method of supplying power for over 40 years. While designed for outdoor use and continual exposure to the elements, ongoing exposure to UV from the sun leads to increased risk of HV ABC failure as they age.
We are proactively replacing HV ABC before defects lead to more frequent and longer duration unplanned outages. We’re focusing our efforts to upgrade the wires in areas most prone to disruption from external factors like vegetation, storms and bushfires and we could be coming to your area.
This large program of work often requires multiple days of interrupted power supply.
We understand the importance of your continued supply of power and we will do everything possible to ensure all work is performed quickly and safely, so your power is restored as soon as practicable. We apologise in advance, for any interruptions to your power supply while we do this work.
Important considerations during these upgrades
- If you’re a customer who relies on essential medical equipment, please activate your back-up plan immediately. If you are not currently registered for life support and you require power for the use of vital medical devices, please call 131 003 to begin 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 safely complete the work required. Talk to our crew when they arrive on site if you need access to your vehicle, and they will work with you to find a suitable time to move
- 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 bad weather, the job may be rescheduled to another date. We understand that this is difficult for customers have made alternative arrangements, but for safety reasons, our crew cannot 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 give our staff access, as your power supply may not be interrupted, but access to a pole on your property may be required to restore power to other people's property
- If you have biodiversity risks associated with your property, please let us know by calling 131 003
What to expect when our team is on site
To achieve the greatest benefit for customers, up to 9km of covered conductor will be replaced during this scheduled work. We are also replacing poles to carry the new, heavier conductors. Our teams are highly experienced in conductor upgrades and will refurbish between 1-2km each 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 to deliver long-term benefits in preparation for upcoming bushfire and storm seasons.
