ENERGEX GETS HIGH TECH HELP TO TACKLE SUMMER STORM SEASON
Published Friday, 05 October, 2007 at 11:14 AM
JOINT STATEMENT
Minister for Mines and Energy
The Honourable Geoff Wilson
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
As storm season approaches with the rising temperatures in the South-East, Premier Anna Bligh today announced the roll-out of a $22 million mobile satellite navigation system to enable Energex crews to locate and restore power outages faster and more effectively.
Ms Bligh said in an Australian first, Energex crews across the South-East would use high-tech satellite-linked laptops in their maintenance vehicles to help them restore power faster this Summer.
“Energex’s fleet of more than 730 rapid response vehicles are now fitted with Field Force Automation (FFA), which will help Energex crews locate faults in the network quickly through satellite navigation,” Ms Bligh said.
“The system has been trialled on the Gold Coast since January this year and following its success more than 2,000 Energex emergency crews and support staff across the South-East now have access to this technology.
“FFA provides field crews with unprecedented access to electronic information about outages without them having to leave their vehicle. It’s a safer and faster system that will mean fewer phone calls, less travel time and paperwork,” she said.
Ms Bligh said the moment after Energex received notice of a power outage, a case would be generated at the call centre, evaluated and immediately despatched to rapid response crews.
“The system will identify the closest crew to the job and provide the quickest route to get there,” she said.
“Together with a record investment of $555 million for capital works and maintenance to boost electricity capacity this summer, this technology equips Energex to tackle whatever nature throws at the electricity network this Summer.”
Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson said it was shaping up to be a busy summer for Energex crews.
“The forecasters are predicting a stronger storm season than last year and with that in mind, I ask people to spare a thought for the Energex workers who, more often than not, are out in that weather restoring damaged power lines.
“It’s not a nine to five job; it can be hazardous – and for that we owe them our thanks,” he said.
Mr Wilson said a series of community safety initiatives and programs were being run by Energex to build on successful messages from previous years.
“During the past few months, Energex has conducted helicopter patrols to monitor vegetation around overhead lines, spending around $1 million a week on vegetation management in South-East Queensland,” Mr Wilson said.
He urged residents to take precautions and be prepared for the inevitable summer storms.
“Residents should secure loose items around their yard that can become dangerous projectiles in strong winds, trim overhead tree branches that are away from power lines and keep a torch and battery-operated radio handy,” Mr Wilson said.
“If you are concerned about branches near power lines, call 131253.
“They’re simple steps, but ones that could prove life-saving when severe storms strike,” Mr Wilson said.
To report a power outage, residents can call 136262. Restoration updates will be broadcast on radio.
Media Inquiries: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
Minister’s Office 3225 1819
5 October 2007
Ms Bligh said in an Australian first, Energex crews across the South-East would use high-tech satellite-linked laptops in their maintenance vehicles to help them restore power faster this Summer.
“Energex’s fleet of more than 730 rapid response vehicles are now fitted with Field Force Automation (FFA), which will help Energex crews locate faults in the network quickly through satellite navigation,” Ms Bligh said.
“The system has been trialled on the Gold Coast since January this year and following its success more than 2,000 Energex emergency crews and support staff across the South-East now have access to this technology.
“FFA provides field crews with unprecedented access to electronic information about outages without them having to leave their vehicle. It’s a safer and faster system that will mean fewer phone calls, less travel time and paperwork,” she said.
Ms Bligh said the moment after Energex received notice of a power outage, a case would be generated at the call centre, evaluated and immediately despatched to rapid response crews.
“The system will identify the closest crew to the job and provide the quickest route to get there,” she said.
“Together with a record investment of $555 million for capital works and maintenance to boost electricity capacity this summer, this technology equips Energex to tackle whatever nature throws at the electricity network this Summer.”
Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson said it was shaping up to be a busy summer for Energex crews.
“The forecasters are predicting a stronger storm season than last year and with that in mind, I ask people to spare a thought for the Energex workers who, more often than not, are out in that weather restoring damaged power lines.
“It’s not a nine to five job; it can be hazardous – and for that we owe them our thanks,” he said.
Mr Wilson said a series of community safety initiatives and programs were being run by Energex to build on successful messages from previous years.
“During the past few months, Energex has conducted helicopter patrols to monitor vegetation around overhead lines, spending around $1 million a week on vegetation management in South-East Queensland,” Mr Wilson said.
He urged residents to take precautions and be prepared for the inevitable summer storms.
“Residents should secure loose items around their yard that can become dangerous projectiles in strong winds, trim overhead tree branches that are away from power lines and keep a torch and battery-operated radio handy,” Mr Wilson said.
“If you are concerned about branches near power lines, call 131253.
“They’re simple steps, but ones that could prove life-saving when severe storms strike,” Mr Wilson said.
To report a power outage, residents can call 136262. Restoration updates will be broadcast on radio.
Media Inquiries: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
Minister’s Office 3225 1819
5 October 2007