Outages expected as hot and dry summer approaches

By Contributed

Nov 6, 2023

Be prepared: AusNet is warning the public of potential power outages ahead of bushfire season. Photo by Simon Bingham

Seymour should prepare for an early start to the fire season and potential power outages this summer.

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The recently released Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook warned there was a high chance of an early start to the fire season in Victoria, and fires in the Gippsland region earlier this month attest to that.

The Australian Energy Market Operator has also warned that there is an increased risk of power outages this summer due to higher-than-usual electricity demand.

AusNet executive general manager network operations and safety Prue Crawford-Flett said energy reliability was a key focus, with preparations for the upcoming summer well under way.

This year marks the completion of AusNet’s Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiter program as part of the Victorian Government’s Powerline Bushfire Safety program.

“REFCLs operate like a safety switch, rapidly cutting power to fallen or damaged powerlines before a fire can start, reducing the risk of bushfires in our communities,” Ms Crawford-Flett said.