SA Power Networks commences power restoration on River Murray
The long and difficult process of restoring power to customers impacted by the River Murray floods is underway.
Already, all the major backbone powerlines that had been turned off due to unsafe clearances have had power restored and this means that several hundred homes, business and irrigators on high ground now are back on normal supply.
SA Power Networks is continuing to assess electricity infrastructure as access to flooded areas is allowed and has assembled significant staffing to assist local crews.
Field crew are being deployed as needed from other regions to assist local crews in tackling the network-related repair and restoration work; asset inspectors are assisting in checking the integrity of the network; and an army of SA Power Networks electricians have undertaken updated training for the specific work of connecting service points for customers once the network in their area has been re-energised.
“We know that many of the 3,350 customers disconnected over the course of the flood will not be able to be reconnected for some time due to major damage from water inundation and debris,” said Paul Roberts Head of Corporate Affairs.
“Many properties will be beyond repair or uninhabitable for some time or will simply be demolished. Some will be able to be reconnected straight away and others may be partially affected and require several visits.
“Where we can, we will restore electricity supply to the switchboard and leave instructions advising the property owner of whether they can turn on their power or whether they will need to get an electrician to undertake checks and or do corrective work before turning on their main switch.
“We had more than 400 kilometres of powerline and about 4,000 Stobie poles standing in floodwaters, so it will be a massive task to visit every site affected, assess the damage, make repairs to powerlines and then reconnect electricity to properties that can be safely reconnected,” Mr Roberts said.
Mr Roberts said while in some areas flood waters had receded, safety remains an issue.
“We advise property owners that they should take every precaution in visiting their properties and that they do not interfere with electrical infrastructure of any kind until we have visited and they have received confirmation that it is safe either from us or their electrician.
“In all cases, customers should contact their electricity retailer to raise a reconnection service request.” To assist customers, SA Power Networks is continuing to offer community information hubs in towns along the river.