What are maintenance works?
Maintenance activities are carried out to inspect, service, repair and preserve infrastructure so it continues to operate safely, reliably and efficiently.
Types of maintenance works
- Inspecting easements and our infrastructure
- Managing vegetation and debris to maintain safety clearances
- Completing minor infrastructure works, equipment replacements and emergency repairs
- Managing access tracks
- Installing or replacing signage Installing or replacing anti-climbing barriers on transmission towers
What are refit works?
Refit works are planned upgrades or replacement activities to strengthen and improve existing transmission line infrastructure
Types of refit works
- Strengthening transmission tower foundations
- Checking and replacing steelwork and bolts
- Reinstalling or upgrading earthing systems
- Undertaking surface preparation and painting transmission towers
- Replacing insulators and other transmission line hardware
- Completing minor transmission tower stringing works (e.g. earthwire replacements)
How and when is work conducted?
Frequency
Routine inspections of our easements occur every two to four years. Transmission line inspections typically take place every three years, with some areas inspected more often due to the age of our infrastructure or environmental factors. Refit works can take place at any time, in response to specific network needs.
Methods
Work may be carried out from the ground using 4WDs, at height with elevated work platforms (EWPs), or from the air with helicopters. Tasks are performed by Powerlink team members, Ergon Energy crews or other contractors.
Planning
Maintenance and refit activities are planned based on infrastructure needs to ensure the ongoing safe, reliable and secure operation of our transmission network. We engage proactively and regularly with landholders in advance of delivering works to confirm access requirements, timing and the scope of works to be completed.