September 3, 2013
With predictions by authorities of another significant bush fire season ahead, Ergon Energy is warning the community about fire-related power disruptions.
Executive General Manager Operations Peter Billing said while the number of fire-related electrical incidents had dropped by 15 per cent from 2011-12 to 2012-13, the number of power poles destroyed by fire during that period had actually risen from 229 to 251 across Ergon’s supply area.
“In the past financial year this means nearly 10,000 customers lost supply due to fire-related activity on average for around 5.9 hours. In financial terms of having to replace damaged or destroyed equipment this meant an impost on Ergon Energy’s bottom line of around $2 million,” he said.
Ergon Energy has more than one million power poles across regional Queensland.
“Another important factor to consider is that pole fires pose a potential serious safety risk to the community,” Mr Billing said.
“Obviously when a pole is burnt down. the power lines are brought down as well and this is something we are very concerned about from a public safety perspective.
“Of course, if you see a pole alight, advise Ergon Energy and the fire authorities by dialling 000 and attempt to put the fire out if it is safe to do and is contained to the lower base area of the pole.”
Mr Billing said it was pleasing to see that poles damaged by landowner burn-offs had declined, with just seven destroyed by property owner burn-offs across regional Queensland last financial year.
“It would appear from the figures that property owners are heeding the messages we put out annually about controlled burns. This responsible approach not only has a positive impact on supply to the property owners but also that of the broader community,” he said.
“The message we want to get across to landholders is that if they intend burning off, please be aware of any power structures that may be on or near their properties.”
