Underground switchgear upgrade
Underground switchgear is a reliable and cost-effective way of supporting power supply. We’re now installing new switchgear that can be controlled remotely, to further minimise the impact of outages.
Switchgear is an important component on our network, as it provides the network with protection and regulates energy supply. It is often used for de-energising equipment and clearing faults in an immediate area, minimising the impact on customers and ensuring reliable power supply.
Our traditional switchgear is manual and requires our team to adjust it on site. By installing new switchgear, we can perform activities remotely, quickly protecting our customers and community, and minimising outage impacts.
Ageing switchgear equipment can also lead to network defects, resulting in longer and more frequently occurring unplanned outages. We are proactively replacing old for new to ensure this does not occur.
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 outages
- 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
- 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
- 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 allow 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
Underground switchgear upgrades are usually completed in 2-3 consecutive days. In most cases, your power supply will not be interrupted. If there is a need to interrupt your power supply, we’ll notify you by mail at least four days before the outage, or send an SMS to the mobile number provided by you, to your electricity retailer (the company you receive your power bill from).
Work will require excavation around an existing padmount substation. Excavations vary in size, ranging from 1m x 1m for small access needs, up to 5m x 5m. This allows our team to have clear access to the underground switchgear, to complete cable jointing and all required connection work.
The installation of temporary fencing, or temporarily backfilling trenches with sand, will ensure that the community is protected and not exposed to deep excavations.
Sometimes, trees located near substations require trimming or removal for work to be completed. Additionally, we may need to cut sections of driveways, garden beds or footpaths, to gain adequate access to the underground network. Should these actions be required, we’ll consult customers to minimise the impact.
Our trucks and an excavator will be also on site and this may impact road access. If traffic flow is likely to be impacted, traffic control staff will ensure safe access and thoroughfare during this time.
Upon completion, the excavation will be filled. Please note, that the area may not be immediately turfed, as we allow the ground to settle before full restoration. We’ll ensure safety signage is clearly displayed, to ensure the safety of our customers and the community.
