Powercor will be conducting works across the Malmsbury region to prepare the network for a new bushfire protection device.
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In order to safely perform the work, electricity supply in the area will be interrupted between 10am and 2pm on October 3.
A Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiter will be installed as part of Powercor’s bushfire mitigation program and was a recommendation of the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Commission.
A REFCL device can minimise the chance of a powerline starting a bushfire by detecting when the powerline comes into contact with the ground or tree branches, by reducing the voltage to the line.
REFCL technical director Andrew Bailey said the new device would further improve the safety of the network for the community.
“Providing reliable, affordable and safe electricity is our number one priority and we work throughout the year to ensure the electricity network is ready for the bushfire season,” Mr Bailey said.
“The introduction of this technology is one of the most significant changes made to our electricity network in more than 30 years and requires network upgrades and changes to allow the device to be successfully installed and operated.”
The device will be installed at the Castlemaine Zone Substation, once operational it will protect suburbs including Sutton Grange, Metcalfe, Malmsbury, Drummond North, Joyces Creek, Maldon and Ravenswood South.
As the power disruption will be occurring during the school holidays, Powercor employees and CFA volunteers will host a free sausage sizzle at the Malmsbury CFA, 78 Mollison Street, between 12pm and 2pm.
Affected customers will be notified and are invited to attend the sausage sizzle to learn more about the REFCL program.
“We want to thank our customers for their understanding as our crews work to complete these important network upgrades,” Mr Bailey said.
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