Question regarding Western Power's failure to meet wood pole reinforcement targets in 2014/15, inquiring about reasons, corrective actions, and potential liability. The answer indicates a reallocation of funds based on risk assessment.

AnsweredQoN 4632Legislative Assembly
Asked
20 October 2015
Portfolio
Energy

QuestionView source ↗

Why did Western Power fail to meet its wood pole reinforcement target in 2014/15: (a) what is being done to address this issue going forward; and (b) does this mean that wood poles have been identified as needing reinforcement and Western Power has failed to do so? If so, does that expose Western Power to liability in the event of pole failure?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
24 November 2015
Responded by
Minister for Energy
Response time
35 days
(a)-(b) Western Power applies a risk-based investment methodology to ensure capital expenditure is targeted to improve public safety and optimise system reliability.
The capital expenditure allocated for wood pole reinforcements was redirected to other programs of work for asset classes that were deemed to have higher public safety and/or reliability impacts. This change occurred after the Statement of Corporate Intent was published.
Flexible adjustments in Western Power's annual program of works ensure the greatest risk reduction is achieved for every dollar invested in the network. Further information on Western Power's risked-based investment methodology is published in its annual State of the Infrastructure Report.

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