SA Power Networks has established a dedicated multi-disciplinary taskforce to strengthen its response to insulator pollution, following the re-emergence of the issue across parts of regional South Australia.

Insulator pollution emerged as a significant network reliability issue during the 2024/25 summer period, impacting areas including the Yorke Peninsula, Kangaroo Island, the West Coast and the Limestone Coast. At the time, it was considered an infrequent issue linked to specific weather conditions.  

However, with similar impacts now beginning to emerge again, SA Power Networks is pivoting its approach. 

SA Power Networks External Affairs Manager Cecilia Schutz said the decision to establish a taskforce reflects the organisation’s focus on acting early and transparently.

“We know how frustrating power outages are for customers, and we want people to understand that this is an issue we are actively prioritising,” Ms Schutz said.

“Last summer, insulator pollution was considered an unusual and infrequent issue. It was the first year that we had seen the issue emerge to any significant extent, and this was understood to have resulted from the specific and unique weather experienced during that year.  The fact that we are now seeing it resurface means we need to take a more proactive, coordinated approach.”

Insulator pollution occurs when airborne contaminants such as dust, dirt and salt build up on powerline insulators during extended dry conditions. When combined with moisture such as dew or high humidity, this build-up can reduce the insulating capability of the equipment, allowing electricity to track across the surface and trigger outages.

Ms Schutz said the regions affected share environmental characteristics that make them more susceptible. 

“Coastal areas such as the Yorke Peninsula, Kangaroo Island, the West and Limestone Coasts are exposed to wind-borne salt and dust, particularly during prolonged and windy periods,” she said.

“When there hasn’t been enough rainfall to naturally wash the network, the risk of outages increases.”

She emphasised that insulator pollution is not caused by asset failure or lack of maintenance, but is a weather-driven, system-wide challenge that can affect many assets at once.

The taskforce brings together operational, engineering and customer teams and is focused on two priorities — responding effectively when insulator pollution causes outages, and reducing the likelihood of outages occurring in the future.

Practical actions being taken include:

• Increasing crew availability during high-risk periods and in affected regions, including additional internal resources and external contractors. 
• Targeted inspections of powerlines and insulators to identify assets most at risk and prioritise them for action. 
• Insulator washing and replacement programs, particularly in areas where extended dry conditions mean natural “washing rains” have not occurred. 
• Engaging expert advice to better understand why the issue has resurfaced and inform longer-term asset management strategies. 
• Considering network configuration options where possible to reduce customer impacts if faults occur. 

“Some of this work, such as washing or replacing insulators, requires planned outages so our crews can work safely,” Ms Schutz said. 

“We appreciate that this is inconvenient for customers, but it is necessary to help prevent more widespread and prolonged outages.” 

SA Power Networks will communicate directly with customers when planned outages are required to undertake work related to insulator pollution, with advance notice provided wherever possible. 

Read further information about insulator pollution, including why it occurs and how SA Power Networks is responding. 

“We don’t yet have all the answers, and we want to be honest about that,” Ms Schutz said. 

“What we can assure customers is that understanding this issue and putting both immediate and long-term solutions in place is our priority. Ensuring the safe and reliable supply of power remains our focus.”