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Network testing: June & July 2024

Network planning & projectsNetwork testing

As more households and businesses invest in new energy technologies such solar and batteries, we are building our capability to support a clean energy future and increasing electrification across our communities.

In June and July 2024, we’re testing how we manage voltages across the networks to accommodate for these capabilities.

 

Why are we testing the networks?

Growth in rooftop solar systems and other new technologies creates challenges for networks as they can raise voltage levels across the system. Managing voltage on our networks is important to support more solar, reduce carbon emissions and keep power affordable for our customers.

These tests help us to define operational settings on our network to ensure power remains safe and reliable as more renewable energy is connected to the networks.

What does it mean for you?

We will be conducting voltage tests in June and July 2024. You are unlikely to notice any change to your power supply.

Testing will run for up to 60 minutes and will be conducted between 10am and 2pm. We have scheduled the tests for the following dates:

  • Powercor customers: 17 June and 30 June 2024
  • CitiPower customers: 7 July and 15 July 2024

We will not be turning power off to customers in connection with this testing.

Due to weather or other events, we may need to reschedule these dates. We will publish the new dates if this does occur.

While it is highly unlikely you will notice any changes to your power during testing, in rare cases, some customers may experience their rooftop solar system or other sensitive equipment tripping. Should you experience any irregularities to your supply resulting in financial loss, please submit a claim.

If you have any questions, please contact us on 13 22 06.

What are voltages?

Voltage is the technical term for the pressure that pushes electricity through our powerlines. Voltage is measured by volts and higher voltages cause more electricity to flow.

Networks like CitiPower and Powercor are required to deliver electricity to homes and businesses within a range of 216 and 253 volts. We use a system to manage voltage fluctuations on the networks in real time.

If the voltage is too high, customers may use more power than necessary, and it can potentially damage some appliances. If voltage is too low, customers may experience flickering lights and poor power quality.

Frequently asked questions

Why are CitiPower and Powercor conducting these tests?

Networks like Powercor are required to deliver electricity to homes and businesses within a range of 216 and 253 volts.

If the voltage is too high, customers may use more power than necessary, and it can potentially damage some appliances. If voltage is too low, customers may experience flickering lights and generally poor power quality.

Growth in rooftop solar systems and other distributed energy resources can create challenges for networks as they can push up voltage levels in the system.

We now use a system, known as our Dynamic Voltage Management System, to manage voltage levels in real time.

We will be conducting these tests to make sure our system is working accurately and effectively. To do this, we will be briefly increasing voltages at our zone substations so we can measure the voltage levels of every device and meter connected to the local network.

It is unlikely to impact your power supply.

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