Western Power continues investigation into Toodyay blaze
Release Date: 07 February 2007
Western Power today announced it is investigating the cause of power lines clashing in Toodyay, that sparked a tragic fire, after an investigation by the Office of Energy Safety could not identify the specific reason for the clash.
Managing Director Mr Doug Aberle said Western Power will continue to work with the Office of Energy Safety and has brought in independent experts to further examine why the lines clashed and sparked the bushfire.
“The Toodyay line section in question was constructed with 30% greater clearance than typically used between the conductors on powerlines of this nature, so it is puzzling that they clashed.
“It may be possible to find a reason, such as by conducting metallurgical tests, however it may be that a specific cause is never found and it may have been an isolated problem,” he said
Mr Aberle said today’s report highlighted that all electricity networks carry inherent risks and that standards must be met to reduce risk but that it will never be eliminated.
“It is a reality that electricity, whether running through overhead or underground networks is potentially dangerous and always vulnerable to external forces, whether they be extreme weather conditions, vehicle accidents bringing down lines or irresponsible excavators hitting underground cable.”
“Western Power is undergoing an extensive program to upgrade the network, much of which is 40 – 50 years old, but this inevitably takes years to complete. The network covers 322,000 square kilometres and the work is being undertaken on a progressive basis, targeting the highest risk areas first.
This work is being prioritised to ensure the highest risk areas are addressed first and the regulator, the Office of Energy Safety, will monitor this program to ensure it is satisfied that Western Power is taking all reasonable and practical steps to prevent such safety incidents.
A media conference will be held today at 1.00pm at Western Power Head Office, 363 Wellington St Perth.
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