December 4, 2024
Ergon Energy Network plans to install fireproof mesh on another 2000 power poles in bushfire zones across Queensland after a successful statewide trial.
Spokesperson Keegan Oliver said the product, called FireMesh, had passed its first test in Queensland with flying colours.
“One of our key trial sites was Julago, south of Townsville, where a bushfire recently burnt through,” he said.
“There was no damage to the 19 poles we had wrapped with FireMesh and we were able to get the power back on to nearly 2000 properties in the area much sooner as a result.
“When the FireMesh installed at the base of the power pole senses heat, it activates and swells up to form a fireproof blanket around the pole and protects it from the fire.
“We have already installed the protective barrier on 1200 power poles in Queensland.
“Following the successful trial, we plan to put it on another 2000 poles over the next year and we intend to continue at that rate for the foreseeable future.”
Nearly 100 fire-damaged power poles have been replaced this season, so areas where the risk of bushfires is higher, site access is more challenging, and customers are more heavily affected will be the priority for FireMesh installation.
“We have 1.7 million poles and a significant proportion of those are in fire-prone areas so it will take us some time, but our initial focus will be the areas of our network at greatest risk so we should see a significant reduction in damage in the early years,” Mr Oliver said.
“The advantage of FireMesh is it’s quick and relatively low cost to install, as well as a very effective control and risk mitigation against fire.”
Property owners can also do their bit to reduce the risk of damage from fires by leaving a five-metre buffer around the base of any power poles and closely monitoring their hazard reduction burns.
