Let’s be power prepared for summer

Now is the time for us all to prepare for bushfire season. AusNet Services continues to undertake its extensive maintenance and vegetation management program to maintain a safe and reliable network.

You might notice our helicopter inspections in your area as we fly over the network to get a clear picture of how the landscape is looking. You may also notice crews trimming the trees away from lines or carrying out important maintenance work as we step up our preparations for summer.

You may also receive notifications for planned outages. We really appreciate your patience and understanding, especially during COVID-19 restrictions, while we complete this critical work. We know it is a difficult time to be without power and we’re very sorry for any inconvenience caused by these works.

As part of our work to prepare the network for the bushfire season 130,000 power poles and pole assets have been inspected so far, along with 7,000 pieces of pole-top equipment and 141km of powerlines replaced. We’ve invested $34 million on vegetation programs, which have removed 3,500 hazardous trees, and trimmed around 279,000 trees to improve safety ahead of the bushfire season.

As bushfire season approaches, AusNet Services is encouraging customers to be power prepared. Are your bushfire plans up to date and do they factor in the possible loss of electricity?

During a bushfire, customers may experience interruptions to their electricity and/or gas supply, even if their property isn’t directly affected. For this reason, bushfire contingency plans should always factor in possible loss of gas and electricity.

Customers who have a private electric line also need to ensure it is clear of vegetation to reduce bushfire risk. Customers with private electric lines should contact a registered electrician or certified tree clearer for advice to clear their property of any unwanted vegetation.