With New South Wales bracing for one of the hottest summers on record, TransGrid has implemented a series of measures to protect its high-voltage transmission network.
Work already carried out by TransGrid includes aerial surveys of lines, easement maintenance and growth removal around critical infrastructure.
TransGrid managing director Peter McIntyre said high temperatures and strong winds could threaten critical infrastructure and impact the network that delivers almost all the electricity used by NSW businesses and households.
“We have already seen examples of the sort of weather conditions which are likely to occur in the next few months. And this means we must remain vigilant when it comes to protecting critical infrastructure such as the electricity transmission network,” he said.
TransGrid has prepared and published its Bushfire Risk Management Plan, with Mr McIntyre saying the company will work closely with emergency services, particularly the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS), to minimise risk.
In October, the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre (Bushfire CRC) predicted much of NSW will experience above average fire conditions during the 2013/2014 season. The data has prompted NSWRFS commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons to remind industry and individuals that early preparation reduces the risk associated with bush and grass fires.
