Energy Safe Victoria is calling for public submissions on its draft report into Jemena’s wood pole management practices across Melbourne’s north and south-west.
The report identified that Jemena’s pole management practices have resulted in its wood pole failure rate being relatively low. However, Energy Safe says it has identified several ways for Jemena to prevent the rate from increasing into the future.
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Wood power pole failure can lead to disruptions to the network and fires, presenting a major risk in hazardous bushfire risk areas.
Jemena manages a 6,160km network, including 60,587 wood and 19,919 concrete poles across suburbs including Footscray, Roxburgh Park, Sunbury, Coburg and Ivanhoe.
Energy Safe CEO Leanne Hughson said while Jemena’s wood power pole management were positive, there was still room for improvement.
“Our review of Jemena’s network has found decent power pole management processes,” Hughson said.
“We’ve identified strategies to ensure this performance is maintained but we’re also calling on the public and other stakeholders to provide their own feedback.
“This is an important step in providing community confidence in the safety of the electricity distribution networks across Victoria.”
Energy Safe is Victoria’s energy safety regulator, responsible for ensuring electricity distribution companies, including Jemena, manage its assets and replace or reinforce power poles.
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Energy Safe will continue to monitor the improvements to Jemena’s wood pole management system.
You can view the report here. Submissions are open until Friday, August 18.
