Local power maintenance blitz on the distribution network underway in St Arnaud, Charlton and Donald areas

LISTEN: Powercor join ABC radio to explain maintenance works in St Arnaud area.

Powercor has begun a large package of maintenance work on the distribution network in the St Arnaud, Donald and Charlton areas to keep the power safe and reliable for customers.

Over the coming months, crews will replace 263 poles, 47 cross-arms, 25 insulators and 69 LV Services on both public and private land.

Crews identified the items to be replaced or upgraded as part of routine inspections conducted during November.

Powercor’s Head of Operations and Delivery, Barry David, said local crews would work closely with landowners to minimise disrupting farming operations.

“We conduct essential maintenance on the distribution network all year round to make sure our customers have safe power that they rely on,” Mr David said.

“Many of our poles and wires are located on private properties so our crews will need to enter some of these sites to conduct their work.

“We are contacting landowners directly ahead of any work that needs to occur on their property.

“We know that every property has unique access and biosecurity needs that must be met and we will work with landowners to make sure we are aware of their individual requirements.”

Crew members will be in Powercor uniforms and carry Powercor identification badges.

Mr David said the work was part of Powercor’s regular maintenance program and was not related with transmission work or new network infrastructure.

“We know there’s a lot of discussion in the community about electricity infrastructure and we want to assure people that our crews are simply maintaining the distribution network to keep power safe and reliable,” he said.

Customers with any questions at all can call Powercor’s contact centre, based in Bendigo, on 13 22 06.