Mass powerline inspections begin in Vic

Victoria’s energy safety regulator has begun to inspect thousands of kilometres of powerlines to ensure they are clear of vegetation ahead of summer.

This is because vegetation coming into contact with powerlines is a significant risk factor for bushfires. It can also be the cause of widespread electricity outages.

“Our audit and inspection program has started and we will look at over 6000 spans of powerlines in Victoria’s hazardous bushfire risk areas before the weather starts to really heat up and the bushfire risk increases,” Energy Safe CEO Leanne Hughson said.

“This work is particularly important ahead of this summer with hotter and drier conditions predicted for the summer ahead.”

In Victoria, major electricity companies (MECs) and councils are responsible for vegetation management and are required by law to ensure there is enough distance between vegetation and powerlines to prevent them coming into contact.

Key target areas in Energy Safe’s audit and inspection program will include the Dandenong Ranges, the Macedon Ranges and the Mornington Peninsula. Inspectors will also focus on Victoria’s south-west, including areas impacted by the St Patrick’s Day fires of 2018, and the Colac Otways region.

Energy Safe compliance officers will be on the road across the state to inspect vegetation and ensure the management systems and plans of MECs and councils are being adhered to. Inspections will also ensure previous non-compliances have been corrected.

“Where we find non-compliance we will take action, including issuing fines and non-compliance notices that require MECs and councils to urgently address safety risks being caused by vegetation. There is no excuse for line clearance breaches — each of which is essentially a bushfire risk,” Hughson said.

Image credit: iStock.com/Beverley Van Praagh