AusNet will be undertaking major upgrade and maintenance activity on the electricity distribution network on Sunday 4 May to improve reliability for customers and contribute to the efficient operation of the network.
A critical upgrade at the Benalla Zone Substation will replace some of the equipment at the substation which is reaching the end of its service period, and will extend its lifespan for another 50 years. To safely complete the necessary works to switch over from the old power assets to the new, AusNet will turn power off between 8am to 6pm.
In parallel with the substation works, AusNet will also undertake over 70 maintenance jobs originally planned for later in the year, including power pole and fuse replacements across the Benalla Rural Council and Mansfield Shire areas, to reduce the need for some future outages in the area.
AusNet General Manager Network Operations & Delivery, Ross Young, said that in an effort to minimise the impact of the power outage required for the substation upgrade, the company had engaged with customers about the planned works and agreed to schedule them on a weekend.
“We know that it’s inconvenient to be without electricity, but by completing the works on the weekend it avoids disruption to local businesses and schools, and ensures that we can complete this essential upgrade before the snow season, therefore avoiding peak tourism impacts,” said Mr Young.
Customers affected have already received a notification from AusNet directly about the planned outage.
Approximately 12,500 AusNet customers will be without power to complete the work.
Areas impacted are: Ancona, Archerton, Baddaginnie, Barjarg, Barwite, Bonnie Doon, Boorlite, Bridge Creek, Delatite, Gaffneys Creek, Gooram, Goughs Bay, Howes Creek, Howqua, Howqua Hills, Howqua Inlet, Jamieson, Kevington, Lima, Lima East, Lima South, Lurg, Macs Cove, Maindample, Mansfield, Merrijig, Merton, Mirimbah, Molyullah, Moorngag, Mount Buller, Mountain Bay, Piries, Samaria, Sawmill Settlement, Strathbogie, Swanpool,Tatong, Tolmie, Upper Lurg, Upper Ryans Creek, Warrenbayne, Woodfield and Woods Point.
Further details on the Benalla Zone Substation upgrade can be found on AusNet’s website: ausnet.com.au/mansfield, and customers can check the status of the planned outage on the day by searching ‘Benalla’ on AusNet’s Outage Tracker: outagetracker.com.au