What are the benefits of underground power?
The first stage in each zone requires connection pillars to be installed in every street. Each pillar will supply at least two properties and are typically installed just inside the front boundary of every second property. The installation contractors will assess the existing infrastructure to ensure the pillar location is both practical and appropriate. The location of each connection pillar plays an important role in effective power delivery to the entire project area.
What will the connection pillar look like?
Regular boundary connection pillars (mini pillars) are small green domes, approximately 250mm in diameter. In approximately 10 per cent of cases, a universal connection pillar (uni pillar) will need to be installed. These pillars are slightly larger, with a diameter of 400mm, as they contain the circuit control equipment. These pillars have predetermined locations integral to the system circuitry design.
Residents should direct any questions, queries or concerns to the contractor assigned your project area.
The first step in establishing an underground connection to each property is installing the underground cable. Each property that currently has an overhead wire will have an underground cable installed from the meter box to a new connection pillar. Residents will receive a notification from area contractor before any work begins. The cable installation is fairly non-invasive but some verge or front garden disruption may occur. The condition of verges and work areas will be recorded before work begins. Issues or concerns can be raised with your project area contractor. In some cases, power outages may be required, and residents will be notified of the process and outage times.
On completion of stage one and two, changeovers will commence. Each property's connection to the overhead system will be switched off and the underground connection switched on. Residents will be notified of the process, estimated power outage times or impacts before the changeover begins. In some cases, multiple outages may be required.
The fourth stage is the removal of overhead poles and wires. This will take place when all properties in the project area have been connected to the underground system and removed from the overhead circuit. Some poles and wires may need to remain for longer as they continue to supply other streets yet to be switched to the underground system. he fourth stage is the removal of overhead poles and wires.This will take place when all properties in the project area have been connected to the underground system and removed from the overhead circuit. Some poles and wires may need to remain for longer as they continue to supply other streets yet to be switched to the underground system.