Electrical distributor, Powercor, has submitted an application to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) for the approval of a program to increase safety in its electricity network through pole replacement and reinforcements.

The program would lift pole replacements and reinforcements to at least 34,650 over five years, as part of work to build a stronger and safer electricity network across western Victoria.

The $112.8 million package of new work is proposed to cost a typical residential customer about $2.60 a year.

It follows Energy Safe Victoria’s provisional acceptance of Powercor’s Bushfire Mitigation Plan that commits to replacing or reinforcing at least 34,650 poles over the next five years (6,930 poles per year).

The application to the AER outlines the work and associated costs required to meet these increased commitments. If approved by the regulator, the costs will be reflected on electricity bills from 1 July 2023.

Powercor’s head of major projects and maintenance Marcus Olive says that the program would deliver safety and network resilience improvements, while still keeping costs as low as possible for customers.

The five-year program involves Powercor replacing or reinforcing about 7,000 power poles per year – a 65% increase on 2021 levels.