Over the past 12 months AusNet has invested $42 million in an extensive vegetation management program to prepare the network for bushfire season.
In the Moira Local Government Area, seven hazardous trees were cleared, while 128 spans will be cleared by the declaration of fire danger period (spans are the area between each pole).
A total of 314,000 spans in high bushfire risk areas have been inspected.
As part of the Victorian Government's Powerline Bushfire Safety Program, Ausnet is also installing Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiters, which operate like a safety switch, rapidly cutting power to fallen or damaged power lines before a fire can start.
Ausnet is warning residents that, regardless of the measures put in place, power outages can happen anytime, especially in peak demand periods such as summer and severe weather.
In the event of a bushfire or other natural disaster, power may be cut, and Ausnet is advising all residents to have a bushfire contingency plan that factors in possible loss of gas and electricity.
Those residents whose life support equipment relies on a continuous power supply should make sure their emergency plan factors this in and that they are prepared to activate their plan should power outages occur.
Residents with a private electric line will need to ensure it is clear of vegetation to reduce bushfire risk. Customers with private electric lines should contact a registered electrician or certified tree clearer for advice to clear their property of any unwanted vegetation.
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