Powercor has started work on major network upgrades to improve electricity reliability for Yarrawonga and surrounding communities ahead of summer.
The upgrades are designed to strengthen the local electricity network, improve reliability during periods of extreme heat and support the region’s growing demand for electricity.
The works, which are an acceleration of planned upgrades for the area, follow a detailed review of outages that affected some customers earlier this year. The review found a combination of equipment faults, extreme heat, vegetation contacting powerlines during high winds and other network issues contributed to the interruptions experienced across parts of the network. In some cases, no clear cause could be identified.
Powercor’s Head of Network Planning Andrew Dinning said the works to support Yarrawonga would take place over coming months and was on track to be completed ahead of the peak summer tourism season.
“We know the outages experienced by some customers earlier this year were frustrating and disruptive and we are taking action to address this,” Mr Dinning said.
“Following a detailed review of those interruptions, we’ve identified a range of improvements that will strengthen the network, reduce the risk of outages during periods of high demand and help keep power flowing during extreme summer conditions.
“We’ve already started work and expect these improvements will place the network in a much stronger position this summer.”
The upgrades include:
• Installing new regulators to help keep electricity flowing consistently through the network and reduce the risk of outages.
• Replacing an 8km section of powerline with larger lines capable of carrying more electricity when demand is high.
• Raising a 30km section of powerline higher, so it can safely carry more electricity during periods of extreme heat.
• Upgrading key cables at start of the line out of the Cobram East Zone Substation, to allow for greater electricity flow.
• Installing new switches, poles and associated infrastructure to provide more flexibility to the existing network.
Customers may notice crews, contractors, trucks and traffic management activities in parts of the area while the works are underway.
A second phase of work will begin next year and will include upgrades to a powerline supplying the Bundalong area. As part of normal summer preparations, a generator will be placed in Bundalong to provide backup support if faults do occur.
“We thank the community for its patience while these important improvements are completed,” Mr Dinning said.
“These upgrades are part of our ongoing investment in the area and will help support a more reliable electricity supply for local homes and businesses.”
Powercor is also exploring further improvements to meet the area’s growing electricity needs over the medium and long term and will keep the community updated as these plans progress.
For more information, visit powercor.com.au/yarrawonga/
