Western Power to make coastal power poles from Geraldton to Port Denison more weather-resistant

Western Power is set to undertake work within the City of Greater Geraldton and the Shire of Irwin to repair more than 400 poles.

The works involve treating insulators on 410 poles in coastal areas from Geraldton to Port Denison.

Executive manager of asset operations Zane Christmas said the works would help lower the fire risk caused by the poles’ proximity to the ocean.

““Treating insulators with silicone is an effective pole top fire mitigation technique, particularly in coastal areas where the network is exposed to sea salt pollution,” he said.

“Applying silicone to insulators reduces dust and pollution build-up which, when combined with light drizzling rain or misty damp conditions, can create paths or tracks on the insulators potentially leading to pole top fires.”

Mr Christmas said the works were happening alongside other projects, including the live line washing and siliconing program which began last September.

“The helicopter washing and siliconing program is particularly suited to treating insulators in more remote areas while silicone only via elevated work platform is better suited to populated areas, along main roads or areas with livestock,” he said.

“Both treatments are conducted by specialist teams on live lines which means the power stays on while we do it, eliminating the need for planned outages.”

“We employ multiple pole top fire mitigation techniques including insulator washing and siliconing, silicone only application and replacing poles, crossarms and insulators as part of our comprehensive maintenance programs to ensure a safe and resilient network.”

Recent tests which accelerated the age of the insulators showed those with silicone only could withstand a variety of conditions.

Mr Christmas said it meant the technique could be implemented to areas where helicopters aren’t allowed to fly.

The siliconing work will begin this month and be completed by September.