SA Power Networks combats insulator pollution

SA Power Networks has established a multidisciplinary taskforce to take on insulator pollution, a growing problem in parts of regional South Australia.

Powerline insulators are essential components of the grid that support and isolate electrical conductors. Insulator pollution occurs when these components become coated with dirt, salt or other contaminants during extended dry conditions.

When combined with moisture such as dew or high humidity, this build-up of material can reduce the insulating capability of the equipment, allowing electricity to track across the surface and trigger outages. This results in a system-wide challenge that can affect many assets at once.

It should be noted that insulator pollution is a weather-driven phenomenon that is not caused by asset failure or lack of maintenance.

The issue significantly affected network reliability in SA during the 2024–25 summer period, impacting areas including the Yorke Peninsula, Kangaroo Island, the West Coast and the Limestone Coast. At the time, it was considered an infrequent issue linked to specific weather conditions.

Now, however, the problem has emerged again, prompting the utility to take a more targeted approach.

SA Power Networks External Affairs Manager Cecilia Schutz said the decision to establish a taskforce reflects the organisation’s focus on acting early and transparently.

“We know how frustrating power outages are for customers, and we want people to understand that this is an issue we are actively prioritising,” she said.

“Last summer, insulator pollution was considered an unusual and infrequent issue. It was the first year that we had seen the issue emerge to any significant extent, and this was understood to have resulted from the specific and unique weather experienced during that year.

“The fact that we are now seeing it resurface means we need to take a more proactive, coordinated approach.”

Schutz explained that the regions affected share environmental characteristics that make them more susceptible.

“Coastal areas such as the Yorke Peninsula, Kangaroo Island, the West and Limestone Coasts are exposed to wind-borne salt and dust, particularly during prolonged and windy periods,” she said. “When there hasn’t been enough rainfall to naturally wash the network, the risk of outages increases.”

The taskforce brings together operational, engineering and customer teams and is focused on two priorities: responding effectively when insulator pollution causes outages, and reducing the likelihood of outages occurring in the future.

Its actions include:

• Increasing crew availability during high-risk periods and in affected regions, including additional internal resources and external contractors.
• Targeted inspections of powerlines and insulators to identify assets most at risk and prioritise them for action.
• Insulator washing and replacement programs, particularly in areas where extended dry conditions mean natural ‘washing rains’ have not occurred.
• Engaging expert advice to better understand why the issue has resurfaced and inform longer-term asset management strategies.
• Considering network configuration options where possible to reduce customer impacts if faults occur.
   

“Some of this work, such as washing or replacing insulators, requires planned outages so our crews can work safely,” Schutz said.

Schutz added that the utility wanted to be honest about the fact that it didn’t have all the answers yet.

“What we can assure customers is that understanding this issue and putting both immediate and long-term solutions in place is our priority. Ensuring the safe and reliable supply of power remains our focus.”

Image caption: Town of Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Image credit: iStock.com/Photon-Photos