Network maintenance

Our aim is to ensure power reliability, community safety and a sustainable level of pole replacements each year given the large number in our network. Our poles are made from wood, concrete or steel and are designed for their location based on Australian standards.

The timber used for poles features natural textures that include splits in the wood and holes from knots. This means that some poles may look old or weathered. It is important to note that a pole’s aesthetic qualities do not necessarily impact on its strength.

Above and below ground inspection methods determine the condition of wooden poles including the amount of sound wood, presence of rot or termites, size and number of splits in the timber, height and diameter measurements.

Data from inspections is used to calculate each pole’s residual strength and hence its safety factor.

Protecting communities

This involves moving overhead electrical infrastructure to underground trenches or installing covered conductors.

It benefits the network and power supply by:

• increasing reliability by reducing the risk of power outages caused by extreme weather.
• reducing the risk of bushfires started by powerlines.
• removing the need to trim trees and other vegetation to maintain powerline clearances.