We have 25 million dollars in planned works to upgrade, operate and maintain the generation of network assets within the next financial year.
Horizon Power has prioritised work to ensure legacy Customer Overhead Service Attachment (CUSA) connections and conductor types that do not adhere to the current Horizon Power, industry and Australian Standards are identified and replaced at each premise in remote communities for which it assumed responsibility. Over the last year, several incidents and critical risks highlighted that legacy connections are present and pose a potential risk to occupants.
In the last year, we have completed works and upgraded a total of five overhead transformers (for power supply reliability), two fuel storage tanks, two feeder upgrades, eight waste oil tanks and 19 engines. Learnings from our first year in remote communities have informed our asset priorities for next year with a significant uplift in investment.
In 2024/25, we have proposed works of 21 engine replacements, eight switchboards, 19 fuel tanks, 29 waste oil tanks and two stand-alone power systems. We have $25 million in planned and unplanned works to upgrade, operate and maintain the generation of network assets within the next financial year.
PVC cable and ‘twisties’
We've noticed some issues with residential connections using PVC cables and "twisties" (a method used to join cables), which led to several electric shock incidents within some remote communities. As these materials age, the lines can droop, potentially electrifying roofs. To address this, Horizon Power has launched a Priority Asset Improvement Program.
To deliver this program we're collaborating closely with Aboriginal-owned Regional Service Providers to remove 'twisties'. from all communities. By 1 June 2024, we've replaced 62 PVC cable connections that had been in place since early 2000s.
