- Published:
- Thursday 16 January 2025 at 1:31 am
Energy Safe Victoria has fined two major electricity companies for failing to keep trees away from powerlines in hazardous bushfire risk areas.
United Energy Distribution Pty Ltd paid fines totalling almost $45,000 after Energy Safe found trees came into contact with powerlines at nine locations on the Mornington Peninsula between November 2023 and March 2024.
AusNet Electricity Services Pty Ltd paid fines of just under $10,000 after trees came into contact with two powerlines in the Yarra Ranges in October 2024.
In both cases the electricity distributors were responsible for keeping vegetation the minimum clearance distance from powerlines, as any contact between them can cause fires, electrocution and power outages.
Energy Safe CEO Leanne Hughson said while the infringements involved a small number of powerlines, they posed a big risk to the public’s safety.
“Trees only have to touch one powerline to start a fire that can devastate a community and we’ve seen that happen in recent years,” Ms Hughson said.
“This is not the first time we’ve had to fine electricity companies for letting trees get too close to their powerlines. And it’s not the first time United Energy has let this happen on the Mornington Peninsula, which is a popular holiday spot.”
Ms Hughson said fires were not the only concern as data recorded by the Australian Energy Regulator showed vegetation caused almost 900 sustained interruptions to power supply in Victoria in 2022-23 alone, affecting more than 260,000 customers.
“Power outages aren’t just inconvenient, they can have a major impact on vulnerable community members including people on life support in their homes,” she said.
“They can also disrupt businesses as well as people working from home who need to keep their laptops and phones charged.”
Energy Safe compliance officers are currently doing inspections in hazardous bushfire risk areas across the state to ensure vegetation is being kept the minimum clearance distance from powerlines.
Energy Safe. Always.
Media contact: Nicole Butler M: 0477 572 378 I media@energysafe.vic.gov.au
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