Power reliability during stubble burning in the hands of farmers
Release Date: 27 March 2009
Farmers are being urged by Western Power to take precautions to prevent power outages and damage to power poles during the stubble burning season.
Western Power has recorded a number of incidents this week where farmers in Goomalling and Ballidu have accidentally burnt down power poles while stubble burning, cutting power to local residents and earning themselves a repair bill in the process.
Farmers can be held liable for the cost of repairs to damaged poles if stubble burning gets out of control on their property.
In recent years, in the Northam-Moora-Koorda district alone, 12 people were billed for damage to Western Power equipment after stubble burning. One incident involved damage to seven power poles and overhead lines at a cost of $19,000. More than 20 poles and powerlines had to be replaced.
Western Power’s Country Services Branch Manager Mr Dennis Smith said farmers were more aware of the need to clear vegetation around power poles, dampen poles before stubble burning and check them afterwards, but they still needed to remain vigilant.
“These fires can smoulder for days before catching alight and burning down the pole.
“After burning the stubble, farmers should soak the steel-reinforced poles, especially behind the steel.”
“When poles burn down, it can affect power supplies for a number of hours while Western Power crews replace poles and re-string wires.
“It can work out to be quite expensive if the farmer is required to pay for the replacement of power poles.”
“Taking a few simple precautions can prevent damage to poles and help farmers avoid the unnecessary costs for repairs,” Dennis said.
Farmers requiring more information about precautions for stubble burning can contact Western Power on 13 10 87.
Tips
- Check to see if there are any powerlines and power poles on your property;
- If there are poles, clear any vegetation around the base of the poles by at least 1.5 metres;
- Do not rake wind-rows beneath or adjacent to powerlines or poles;
- Wet pole bases thoroughly to avoid accidental combustion;
- Check local fire warnings and avoid stubble burning when conditions are not suitable;
Check fires regularly to make sure they are not causing problems, and - If, despite these precautions, poles are damaged; immediately contact Western Power fault and emergency line on 13 13 51
Above: Damage caused to a Western Power pole in Goomalling after stubble burning on a private property.
Contact us
If you have any questions regarding this media release please email us: media@westernpower.com.au
