❓ Mr. Marmion questions Western Power about the condition and replacement plans for power poles identified as being in the bottom 20th percentile of condition, and the variance in metro vs. non-metro replacement rates. Western Power provides details on assessment, treatment plans, and risk-based methodology.
AnsweredQoN 3027Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Further to the answer to Question on Notice 2355, and I ask: (a) of the 219 poles you mentioned that are in the bottom 20th percentile of condition: (i) what is the classification of this condition and do they require replacement; and (ii) if any do require replacement, what percentage out of the 219 poles will be/are expected to be replaced in 2018 and then 2019; and (b) what original data is the variance of between 24 and 44 poles replaced in the metro area based on, and what accounts for this large variation?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
10 May 2018
Responded by
Minister for Energy
Response time
5 days
(a) (i) Of the 219 poles in the bottom 20th percentile, 207 have been currently assessed with a condition that require treatment (replacement or reinforcement of the pole base). The predominant conditions that determine replacement or reinforcement include decay, pole splits, knots and rot.
(a) (ii) Of the 219 poles, Western Powers current plan is to treat 63% of the assets (2 replacements and 136 reinforcements) from Jul 2018 to Jun 2020. The balance of the poles requiring treatment not in the current plan, present a lower risk and will be addressed in future years. However, Western Power regularly assesses the condition of poles in the network which influences an annual review of the plan.
(b) For clarification, the percentage for annual replacement of the poles, in the metropolitan area compared to non-metro areas, varied between 24% and 44% from 2013/14 to 2016/17. The data is based on our record of wood pole replacement work orders over this period.
Western Power replaces power poles across the distribution overhead network based on condition of a portfolio of assets (for example poles, conductors, transformers). Western Power uses a risk based methodology to develop annual investment plans (for the portfolio of assets across the network) based on an optimum mix of risk reduction, efficiency, and practicality of delivery. Therefore, the location of assets requiring replacement defines the split between metro and non-metro areas which varies year to year.
(a) (ii) Of the 219 poles, Western Powers current plan is to treat 63% of the assets (2 replacements and 136 reinforcements) from Jul 2018 to Jun 2020. The balance of the poles requiring treatment not in the current plan, present a lower risk and will be addressed in future years. However, Western Power regularly assesses the condition of poles in the network which influences an annual review of the plan.
(b) For clarification, the percentage for annual replacement of the poles, in the metropolitan area compared to non-metro areas, varied between 24% and 44% from 2013/14 to 2016/17. The data is based on our record of wood pole replacement work orders over this period.
Western Power replaces power poles across the distribution overhead network based on condition of a portfolio of assets (for example poles, conductors, transformers). Western Power uses a risk based methodology to develop annual investment plans (for the portfolio of assets across the network) based on an optimum mix of risk reduction, efficiency, and practicality of delivery. Therefore, the location of assets requiring replacement defines the split between metro and non-metro areas which varies year to year.
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