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Each year ETSA Utilities undertakes a comprehensive planned program across the State to prepare for summer and the bushfire season. We do this to ensure we have the network in good shape to cope with higher demand and also to ensure the safety of the network and the public. Preparations include vegetation clearance; replacement or capacity upgrades for transformers; upgrading of substations; and an upgrade of call centre services so customers have even better access to information.
But whether it is summer, winter, autumn or spring, we can't guarantee there won't be an event affecting supply. We recommend you plan for the rare times when you might be without power, particularly if you rely on life-saving equipment or equipment such as water pumps.
We have an overflow call centre with up to 50 extra staff able to assist in major outage situations and our automated telephone messaging system is continually being upgraded to provide better information about outage events. We continue to review and refine our supply restoration efforts and have mobile generators, mobile street transformers and mobile substations on standby to assist with managing peak loads and as a back-up should there be a major network incident. Aerial and ground patrols work in tandem to inspect powerlines across the State, and ETSA Utilities works with the Bureau of Meteorology to obtain early forecasts on storms and prolonged heatwaves that may affect the network.
Most power interruptions affecting larger groups of customers impact the high voltage part of the network. These outages are caused by traffic accidents, storms, animals, trees, contractors hitting our lines and wear and tear on equipment. Unexpected local increases in power demand from some residential customers (usually from new air conditioners in extreme heat) may cause some small street transformers to overheat or fuses to blow (as they are designed to do), resulting in a very localised power interruption affecting the low voltage part of our network.
High temperatures and strong winds during summer can place additional pressure on the network. In some cases fuses may be affected or a street transformer might overheat, often due to increased demand for power from new air-conditioner installations.
When power is interrupted we are alerted either by our own remote monitoring (in main population centres), or by customers via their calls to our Call Centre. Depending on the number and priority of jobs, a crew is then dispatched to patrol, repair and restore power to the area affected. If no fault is found then the line is sectioned and power restored progressively in each section until the fault is located and repaired. ETSA Utilities' priority is to make safe any hazardous situations and restore supply to customers as quickly as possible.
We'd like you to inform us if you've purchased a new air-conditioner - it is one of the simplest ways to help ensure the power stays on in your street. Currently builders and home owners are required to notify us if an air conditioner is 2.5kW or over; and those installing 5kW or over must seek our permission first.
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Under extreme weather conditions - high winds and temperatures - it may be necessary to switch off the power in bushfire risk areas to ensure the safety of people and property. We will regularly update local media to help keep you informed.
When there is a run of extremely hot days in a row demand can out-run supply. Current forecasts for the 2009-10 summer (compiled by the national electricity market manager, AEMO) show that if we experience an average summer - that is, in line with one-in-10 year historical levels - we should have sufficient supply to meet demand. This, of course, is dependent on required high voltage transmission lines and electricity generators being available and operating as they should.
Load shedding is carried out by ETSA Utilities at the request of AEMO. We may be requested by AEMO to interrupt supplies to protect the safety and security of the network. We will rotate load shedding so that if your area is affected, it will only be for about 30 – 45 minutes. We will rotate load shedding through suburbs until advised by AEMO that we can resume normal operations.
People who are reliant on life-saving equipment should have a back up plan in place, potentially including back up power generation and/or evacuation arrangements. People living in bushfire risk areas should consider their needs in terms of back up systems for power, including for water pumping. People also should be aware that if power is not available, services such as traffic lights may not be operating along a planned evacuation route.
People should not approach damaged electrical infrastructure and should keep others away, especially where lines are on the ground, as they may be live. They should contact the emergency services or ETSA Utilities immediately and identify the location of the fault.
Members of the public can assist by: