Short-term pain: Merredin residents brace for outages as 159 power poles and 12km of line are replaced

Western Power has launched a major works program in Merredin, replacing 159 power poles and 12km of overhead lines — a move pegged to boost power reliability by allowing damaged parts of the network to be isolated or diverted if needed. The work started in October and will continue — with a short break in January — until the end of June next year, with the aim of improving network power reliability. Western Power asset operations executive manager Zane Christmas said the energy provider was committed to providing the Merredin community with a “safe and reliable electricity supply” and was making a “substantial investment” in the infrastructure. “We’re replacing 159 poles, 12km of overhead power lines, and carrying out other essential maintenance concentrated within the Merredin townsite,” Mr Christmas said. “The work will improve our ability to switch electricity around the network in the town of Merredin, assisting the capability to divert or isolate damaged parts of the network when required. “The number of switching points will be increased so that in the event of an outage, we can reduce more quickly the number of people impacted by a fault and restore connections more quickly. “Sections of cable will be upgraded so there is capacity to move electricity loads around the town, improving restoration times.” Mr Christmas said Western Power had “collaborated with the community” to minimise impact but there might be some interruptions. “We’ve undertaken extensive engagement in the area to ensure the community is aware of the planned work, including meeting with the Shire of Merredin to determine suitable days and times for outages,” Mr Christmas said. “Our teams on the ground have engaged with the hospital, Shire office, business operators within the industrial area, recreation centre, hotel and school. “We understand that the planned work may cause some short-term inconvenience, but we expect that these upgrades will bring improvements to reliability of power supply to the town.” He urged locals to be patient while work was in progress. “While we aim to keep any disruption to a minimum, residents may notice dust, noise and excavation work where the pole replacement are being undertaken. Traffic management will also be in place,” Mr Christmas said. “It’s our goal to get the job done quickly, safely and with the least impact to residents and businesses.” Western Power crews from Vasse and Bridgetown will help complete the work. Residents will be notified a minimum of three business days — but typically up to nine business days — prior to an outage that interrupts power supply.