❓ A WA parliamentary question on notice regarding Western Power's wood pole maintenance program, including inspection rates, replacements, failures, and compliance with EnergySafety recommendations. The Minister's response provides data and confirms compliance.
AnsweredQoN 43Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
WESTERN POWER — WOOD POLE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
I refer to Western Power’s wood pole maintenance program. (1) How many poles were inspected in 2010, and what is the current backlog? (2) How many poles were replaced in 2010, and what is the current backlog? (3) How many pole failures occurred in 2010, and in 2011 to date? (4) Has Western Power complied with the recommendations in EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review”; and, if not, what recommendations have not been completed and for what reason? Hon PETER COLLIER
I refer to Western Power’s wood pole maintenance program. (1) How many poles were inspected in 2010, and what is the current backlog? (2) How many poles were replaced in 2010, and what is the current backlog? (3) How many pole failures occurred in 2010, and in 2011 to date? (4) Has Western Power complied with the recommendations in EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review”; and, if not, what recommendations have not been completed and for what reason? Hon PETER COLLIER
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) In the 2009–10 financial year, 184 924 distribution wood poles were inspected as part of Western Power’s routine wood pole inspection program. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole inspections was 883 poles. (2) In the 2009–10 financial year, 10 608 distribution wood poles were replaced. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole replacement was 4 491 poles. These will be progressively replaced as part of Western Power’s wood pole replacement program. (3) In the 2009–10 financial year, Western Power recorded 50 unassisted distribution wood pole failures. Three hundred and seventy-one poles failed due to exogenous factors such as car versus pole or very strong winds. For the 2010–11 financial year, as of 31 December 2010, Western Power had recorded 34 unassisted distribution wood pole failures, while 152 poles failed due to exogenous factors. (4) Yes. EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review” has a range of recommendations with a number of different time lines for completion. To date, the recommendations in the 2008 audit have been completed by the required deadlines. Some of the recommendations have completion dates into the future and Western Power is on track to achieve these dates.
(1) How many poles were inspected in 2010, and what is the current backlog? (2) How many poles were replaced in 2010, and what is the current backlog? (3) How many pole failures occurred in 2010, and in 2011 to date? (4) Has Western Power complied with the recommendations in EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review”; and, if not, what recommendations have not been completed and for what reason? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) In the 2009–10 financial year, 184 924 distribution wood poles were inspected as part of Western Power’s routine wood pole inspection program. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole inspections was 883 poles. (2) In the 2009–10 financial year, 10 608 distribution wood poles were replaced. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole replacement was 4 491 poles. These will be progressively replaced as part of Western Power’s wood pole replacement program. (3) In the 2009–10 financial year, Western Power recorded 50 unassisted distribution wood pole failures. Three hundred and seventy-one poles failed due to exogenous factors such as car versus pole or very strong winds. For the 2010–11 financial year, as of 31 December 2010, Western Power had recorded 34 unassisted distribution wood pole failures, while 152 poles failed due to exogenous factors. (4) Yes. EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review” has a range of recommendations with a number of different time lines for completion. To date, the recommendations in the 2008 audit have been completed by the required deadlines. Some of the recommendations have completion dates into the future and Western Power is on track to achieve these dates.
(2) How many poles were replaced in 2010, and what is the current backlog? (3) How many pole failures occurred in 2010, and in 2011 to date? (4) Has Western Power complied with the recommendations in EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review”; and, if not, what recommendations have not been completed and for what reason? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) In the 2009–10 financial year, 184 924 distribution wood poles were inspected as part of Western Power’s routine wood pole inspection program. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole inspections was 883 poles. (2) In the 2009–10 financial year, 10 608 distribution wood poles were replaced. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole replacement was 4 491 poles. These will be progressively replaced as part of Western Power’s wood pole replacement program. (3) In the 2009–10 financial year, Western Power recorded 50 unassisted distribution wood pole failures. Three hundred and seventy-one poles failed due to exogenous factors such as car versus pole or very strong winds. For the 2010–11 financial year, as of 31 December 2010, Western Power had recorded 34 unassisted distribution wood pole failures, while 152 poles failed due to exogenous factors. (4) Yes. EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review” has a range of recommendations with a number of different time lines for completion. To date, the recommendations in the 2008 audit have been completed by the required deadlines. Some of the recommendations have completion dates into the future and Western Power is on track to achieve these dates.
(3) How many pole failures occurred in 2010, and in 2011 to date? (4) Has Western Power complied with the recommendations in EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review”; and, if not, what recommendations have not been completed and for what reason? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) In the 2009–10 financial year, 184 924 distribution wood poles were inspected as part of Western Power’s routine wood pole inspection program. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole inspections was 883 poles. (2) In the 2009–10 financial year, 10 608 distribution wood poles were replaced. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole replacement was 4 491 poles. These will be progressively replaced as part of Western Power’s wood pole replacement program. (3) In the 2009–10 financial year, Western Power recorded 50 unassisted distribution wood pole failures. Three hundred and seventy-one poles failed due to exogenous factors such as car versus pole or very strong winds. For the 2010–11 financial year, as of 31 December 2010, Western Power had recorded 34 unassisted distribution wood pole failures, while 152 poles failed due to exogenous factors. (4) Yes. EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review” has a range of recommendations with a number of different time lines for completion. To date, the recommendations in the 2008 audit have been completed by the required deadlines. Some of the recommendations have completion dates into the future and Western Power is on track to achieve these dates.
(4) Has Western Power complied with the recommendations in EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review”; and, if not, what recommendations have not been completed and for what reason? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) In the 2009–10 financial year, 184 924 distribution wood poles were inspected as part of Western Power’s routine wood pole inspection program. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole inspections was 883 poles. (2) In the 2009–10 financial year, 10 608 distribution wood poles were replaced. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole replacement was 4 491 poles. These will be progressively replaced as part of Western Power’s wood pole replacement program. (3) In the 2009–10 financial year, Western Power recorded 50 unassisted distribution wood pole failures. Three hundred and seventy-one poles failed due to exogenous factors such as car versus pole or very strong winds. For the 2010–11 financial year, as of 31 December 2010, Western Power had recorded 34 unassisted distribution wood pole failures, while 152 poles failed due to exogenous factors. (4) Yes. EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review” has a range of recommendations with a number of different time lines for completion. To date, the recommendations in the 2008 audit have been completed by the required deadlines. Some of the recommendations have completion dates into the future and Western Power is on track to achieve these dates.
Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) In the 2009–10 financial year, 184 924 distribution wood poles were inspected as part of Western Power’s routine wood pole inspection program. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole inspections was 883 poles. (2) In the 2009–10 financial year, 10 608 distribution wood poles were replaced. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole replacement was 4 491 poles. These will be progressively replaced as part of Western Power’s wood pole replacement program. (3) In the 2009–10 financial year, Western Power recorded 50 unassisted distribution wood pole failures. Three hundred and seventy-one poles failed due to exogenous factors such as car versus pole or very strong winds. For the 2010–11 financial year, as of 31 December 2010, Western Power had recorded 34 unassisted distribution wood pole failures, while 152 poles failed due to exogenous factors. (4) Yes. EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review” has a range of recommendations with a number of different time lines for completion. To date, the recommendations in the 2008 audit have been completed by the required deadlines. Some of the recommendations have completion dates into the future and Western Power is on track to achieve these dates.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) In the 2009–10 financial year, 184 924 distribution wood poles were inspected as part of Western Power’s routine wood pole inspection program. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole inspections was 883 poles. (2) In the 2009–10 financial year, 10 608 distribution wood poles were replaced. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole replacement was 4 491 poles. These will be progressively replaced as part of Western Power’s wood pole replacement program. (3) In the 2009–10 financial year, Western Power recorded 50 unassisted distribution wood pole failures. Three hundred and seventy-one poles failed due to exogenous factors such as car versus pole or very strong winds. For the 2010–11 financial year, as of 31 December 2010, Western Power had recorded 34 unassisted distribution wood pole failures, while 152 poles failed due to exogenous factors. (4) Yes. EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review” has a range of recommendations with a number of different time lines for completion. To date, the recommendations in the 2008 audit have been completed by the required deadlines. Some of the recommendations have completion dates into the future and Western Power is on track to achieve these dates.
(1) In the 2009–10 financial year, 184 924 distribution wood poles were inspected as part of Western Power’s routine wood pole inspection program. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole inspections was 883 poles. (2) In the 2009–10 financial year, 10 608 distribution wood poles were replaced. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole replacement was 4 491 poles. These will be progressively replaced as part of Western Power’s wood pole replacement program. (3) In the 2009–10 financial year, Western Power recorded 50 unassisted distribution wood pole failures. Three hundred and seventy-one poles failed due to exogenous factors such as car versus pole or very strong winds. For the 2010–11 financial year, as of 31 December 2010, Western Power had recorded 34 unassisted distribution wood pole failures, while 152 poles failed due to exogenous factors. (4) Yes. EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review” has a range of recommendations with a number of different time lines for completion. To date, the recommendations in the 2008 audit have been completed by the required deadlines. Some of the recommendations have completion dates into the future and Western Power is on track to achieve these dates.
(2) In the 2009–10 financial year, 10 608 distribution wood poles were replaced. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole replacement was 4 491 poles. These will be progressively replaced as part of Western Power’s wood pole replacement program. (3) In the 2009–10 financial year, Western Power recorded 50 unassisted distribution wood pole failures. Three hundred and seventy-one poles failed due to exogenous factors such as car versus pole or very strong winds. For the 2010–11 financial year, as of 31 December 2010, Western Power had recorded 34 unassisted distribution wood pole failures, while 152 poles failed due to exogenous factors. (4) Yes. EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review” has a range of recommendations with a number of different time lines for completion. To date, the recommendations in the 2008 audit have been completed by the required deadlines. Some of the recommendations have completion dates into the future and Western Power is on track to achieve these dates.
(3) In the 2009–10 financial year, Western Power recorded 50 unassisted distribution wood pole failures. Three hundred and seventy-one poles failed due to exogenous factors such as car versus pole or very strong winds. For the 2010–11 financial year, as of 31 December 2010, Western Power had recorded 34 unassisted distribution wood pole failures, while 152 poles failed due to exogenous factors. (4) Yes. EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review” has a range of recommendations with a number of different time lines for completion. To date, the recommendations in the 2008 audit have been completed by the required deadlines. Some of the recommendations have completion dates into the future and Western Power is on track to achieve these dates.
(4) Yes. EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review” has a range of recommendations with a number of different time lines for completion. To date, the recommendations in the 2008 audit have been completed by the required deadlines. Some of the recommendations have completion dates into the future and Western Power is on track to achieve these dates.
(1) How many poles were inspected in 2010, and what is the current backlog? (2) How many poles were replaced in 2010, and what is the current backlog? (3) How many pole failures occurred in 2010, and in 2011 to date? (4) Has Western Power complied with the recommendations in EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review”; and, if not, what recommendations have not been completed and for what reason? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) In the 2009–10 financial year, 184 924 distribution wood poles were inspected as part of Western Power’s routine wood pole inspection program. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole inspections was 883 poles. (2) In the 2009–10 financial year, 10 608 distribution wood poles were replaced. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole replacement was 4 491 poles. These will be progressively replaced as part of Western Power’s wood pole replacement program. (3) In the 2009–10 financial year, Western Power recorded 50 unassisted distribution wood pole failures. Three hundred and seventy-one poles failed due to exogenous factors such as car versus pole or very strong winds. For the 2010–11 financial year, as of 31 December 2010, Western Power had recorded 34 unassisted distribution wood pole failures, while 152 poles failed due to exogenous factors. (4) Yes. EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review” has a range of recommendations with a number of different time lines for completion. To date, the recommendations in the 2008 audit have been completed by the required deadlines. Some of the recommendations have completion dates into the future and Western Power is on track to achieve these dates.
(2) How many poles were replaced in 2010, and what is the current backlog? (3) How many pole failures occurred in 2010, and in 2011 to date? (4) Has Western Power complied with the recommendations in EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review”; and, if not, what recommendations have not been completed and for what reason? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) In the 2009–10 financial year, 184 924 distribution wood poles were inspected as part of Western Power’s routine wood pole inspection program. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole inspections was 883 poles. (2) In the 2009–10 financial year, 10 608 distribution wood poles were replaced. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole replacement was 4 491 poles. These will be progressively replaced as part of Western Power’s wood pole replacement program. (3) In the 2009–10 financial year, Western Power recorded 50 unassisted distribution wood pole failures. Three hundred and seventy-one poles failed due to exogenous factors such as car versus pole or very strong winds. For the 2010–11 financial year, as of 31 December 2010, Western Power had recorded 34 unassisted distribution wood pole failures, while 152 poles failed due to exogenous factors. (4) Yes. EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review” has a range of recommendations with a number of different time lines for completion. To date, the recommendations in the 2008 audit have been completed by the required deadlines. Some of the recommendations have completion dates into the future and Western Power is on track to achieve these dates.
(3) How many pole failures occurred in 2010, and in 2011 to date? (4) Has Western Power complied with the recommendations in EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review”; and, if not, what recommendations have not been completed and for what reason? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) In the 2009–10 financial year, 184 924 distribution wood poles were inspected as part of Western Power’s routine wood pole inspection program. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole inspections was 883 poles. (2) In the 2009–10 financial year, 10 608 distribution wood poles were replaced. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole replacement was 4 491 poles. These will be progressively replaced as part of Western Power’s wood pole replacement program. (3) In the 2009–10 financial year, Western Power recorded 50 unassisted distribution wood pole failures. Three hundred and seventy-one poles failed due to exogenous factors such as car versus pole or very strong winds. For the 2010–11 financial year, as of 31 December 2010, Western Power had recorded 34 unassisted distribution wood pole failures, while 152 poles failed due to exogenous factors. (4) Yes. EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review” has a range of recommendations with a number of different time lines for completion. To date, the recommendations in the 2008 audit have been completed by the required deadlines. Some of the recommendations have completion dates into the future and Western Power is on track to achieve these dates.
(4) Has Western Power complied with the recommendations in EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review”; and, if not, what recommendations have not been completed and for what reason? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) In the 2009–10 financial year, 184 924 distribution wood poles were inspected as part of Western Power’s routine wood pole inspection program. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole inspections was 883 poles. (2) In the 2009–10 financial year, 10 608 distribution wood poles were replaced. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole replacement was 4 491 poles. These will be progressively replaced as part of Western Power’s wood pole replacement program. (3) In the 2009–10 financial year, Western Power recorded 50 unassisted distribution wood pole failures. Three hundred and seventy-one poles failed due to exogenous factors such as car versus pole or very strong winds. For the 2010–11 financial year, as of 31 December 2010, Western Power had recorded 34 unassisted distribution wood pole failures, while 152 poles failed due to exogenous factors. (4) Yes. EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review” has a range of recommendations with a number of different time lines for completion. To date, the recommendations in the 2008 audit have been completed by the required deadlines. Some of the recommendations have completion dates into the future and Western Power is on track to achieve these dates.
Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) In the 2009–10 financial year, 184 924 distribution wood poles were inspected as part of Western Power’s routine wood pole inspection program. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole inspections was 883 poles. (2) In the 2009–10 financial year, 10 608 distribution wood poles were replaced. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole replacement was 4 491 poles. These will be progressively replaced as part of Western Power’s wood pole replacement program. (3) In the 2009–10 financial year, Western Power recorded 50 unassisted distribution wood pole failures. Three hundred and seventy-one poles failed due to exogenous factors such as car versus pole or very strong winds. For the 2010–11 financial year, as of 31 December 2010, Western Power had recorded 34 unassisted distribution wood pole failures, while 152 poles failed due to exogenous factors. (4) Yes. EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review” has a range of recommendations with a number of different time lines for completion. To date, the recommendations in the 2008 audit have been completed by the required deadlines. Some of the recommendations have completion dates into the future and Western Power is on track to achieve these dates.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) In the 2009–10 financial year, 184 924 distribution wood poles were inspected as part of Western Power’s routine wood pole inspection program. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole inspections was 883 poles. (2) In the 2009–10 financial year, 10 608 distribution wood poles were replaced. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole replacement was 4 491 poles. These will be progressively replaced as part of Western Power’s wood pole replacement program. (3) In the 2009–10 financial year, Western Power recorded 50 unassisted distribution wood pole failures. Three hundred and seventy-one poles failed due to exogenous factors such as car versus pole or very strong winds. For the 2010–11 financial year, as of 31 December 2010, Western Power had recorded 34 unassisted distribution wood pole failures, while 152 poles failed due to exogenous factors. (4) Yes. EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review” has a range of recommendations with a number of different time lines for completion. To date, the recommendations in the 2008 audit have been completed by the required deadlines. Some of the recommendations have completion dates into the future and Western Power is on track to achieve these dates.
(1) In the 2009–10 financial year, 184 924 distribution wood poles were inspected as part of Western Power’s routine wood pole inspection program. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole inspections was 883 poles. (2) In the 2009–10 financial year, 10 608 distribution wood poles were replaced. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole replacement was 4 491 poles. These will be progressively replaced as part of Western Power’s wood pole replacement program. (3) In the 2009–10 financial year, Western Power recorded 50 unassisted distribution wood pole failures. Three hundred and seventy-one poles failed due to exogenous factors such as car versus pole or very strong winds. For the 2010–11 financial year, as of 31 December 2010, Western Power had recorded 34 unassisted distribution wood pole failures, while 152 poles failed due to exogenous factors. (4) Yes. EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review” has a range of recommendations with a number of different time lines for completion. To date, the recommendations in the 2008 audit have been completed by the required deadlines. Some of the recommendations have completion dates into the future and Western Power is on track to achieve these dates.
(2) In the 2009–10 financial year, 10 608 distribution wood poles were replaced. As of 31 December 2010, the backlog for distribution wood pole replacement was 4 491 poles. These will be progressively replaced as part of Western Power’s wood pole replacement program. (3) In the 2009–10 financial year, Western Power recorded 50 unassisted distribution wood pole failures. Three hundred and seventy-one poles failed due to exogenous factors such as car versus pole or very strong winds. For the 2010–11 financial year, as of 31 December 2010, Western Power had recorded 34 unassisted distribution wood pole failures, while 152 poles failed due to exogenous factors. (4) Yes. EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review” has a range of recommendations with a number of different time lines for completion. To date, the recommendations in the 2008 audit have been completed by the required deadlines. Some of the recommendations have completion dates into the future and Western Power is on track to achieve these dates.
(3) In the 2009–10 financial year, Western Power recorded 50 unassisted distribution wood pole failures. Three hundred and seventy-one poles failed due to exogenous factors such as car versus pole or very strong winds. For the 2010–11 financial year, as of 31 December 2010, Western Power had recorded 34 unassisted distribution wood pole failures, while 152 poles failed due to exogenous factors. (4) Yes. EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review” has a range of recommendations with a number of different time lines for completion. To date, the recommendations in the 2008 audit have been completed by the required deadlines. Some of the recommendations have completion dates into the future and Western Power is on track to achieve these dates.
(4) Yes. EnergySafety’s “2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review” has a range of recommendations with a number of different time lines for completion. To date, the recommendations in the 2008 audit have been completed by the required deadlines. Some of the recommendations have completion dates into the future and Western Power is on track to achieve these dates.
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