Energy Safe has started consultation for its Jemena wood power pole draft report across Melbourne’s north and southwest.

The report has identified that Jemena’s pole management practices have resulted in its wood pole failure rate being relatively low, prompting Energy Safe to identify several ways for Jemena to prevent the rate from increasing in the future.

Energy Safe chief executive officer Leanne Hughson says while Jemena’s wood power pole management was positive there was still room for improvement, with its review finding “decent power pole management processes”.  The public and other stakeholders have been called on to provide their own feedback in helping to identify some performance strategies.

“This is an important step in providing community confidence in the safety of the electricity distribution networks across Victoria.”

Jemena manages a 6,160km network, including 60,587 wood and 19,919 concrete poles across suburbs including Footscray, Roxburgh Park, Sunbury, Coburg and Ivanhoe.

Energy Safe is Victoria’s energy safety regulator, responsible for ensuring electricity distribution companies, including Jemena, manage its assets and replace or reinforce power poles.

Energy Safe will continue to monitor the improvements to Jemena’s wood pole management system.