Fire area power cuts

By Melissa Meehan
ELECTRICITY distributor SP AusNet has not ruled out cutting power supplies to high-risk towns on catastrophic fire danger days.
The news comes as the Royal Bushfire Commission received information from fellow distributor Powercor that they were considering the controversial move to switch of supply on high-risk days.
SP AusNet electricity distribution network covers the east and northern areas of Victoria, connecting over 600,000 customers.
This includes Cockatoo, Gembrook and Upper Beaconsfield, all listed in the 52 townships most at risk of bushfire.
The commission found that Powercor saw cutting power supply as a way of preventing electrical assets starting in extreme fire situations, but could leave residents in high risk towns without power for airconditioning and access to emergency warnings through television and the internet.
Communications co-ordinator for SP AusNet, Sean Sampson told the Gazette the power company would work with the Royal Commission to explore all options available to them.
“SP AusNet is continuing to work with the Royal Commission and last week presented a number of suggestions to contribute to the Royal Commission’s consideration of electricity industry systemic issues,” Mr Sampson said.
“SP AusNet will be involved in a government and industry workshop in April to further explore all options.”
CFA Westernport Area general manager, Peter Schmidt said like any other utility company or statutory authority, power companies needed to assess its level of wildfire risk and apply appropriate treatments to manage that risk.
”CFA has always encouraged people living in high-fire risk areas to not rely on mains power and to be prepared with battery operated torches, radios, and independently powered fire fighting pumps,” Mr Schmidt said.
”CFA recommends that all residents have multiple fire preparedness plans and if planning to relocate on a code red day, to do so early – either the night before or early in the morning. The only certain way to survive a fire is to be well away from the threat.”