Central residents will see machinery and activity on the Earnscleugh side of Clyde hill in June and July as 15 power poles are replaced. 

Aurora Energy contractors Connetics will be replacing the power poles over three to four weeks, and there will be no planned power outages for this work.  

The number of power poles on the hill is being reduced to 11 poles (across 11 sites). 

Three poles were replaced in March 2021 on Clyde hill.

The replacements are needed to maintain the network that supplies Clyde and the Central region. 

Clyde hill project

Aurora said the upgrade of Clyde hill poles will significantly reduce the likelihood of needing to return to the area for an estimated 50 years (unless in the case of a network fault).  

Aurora Energy work programming and delivery general manager Mark Pratt said this is a more complex project than most pole replacements, as the poles are located on extremely difficult terrain. 

“Where possible, the contractors will utilise existing tracks, however some new tracks will need to be made to allow access for a digger to get into the area to replace the poles safely.”

To keep contractors safe helicopters cannot be used at the site, the company said. 

Aurora Energy has sought advice on the best planting options to encourage rejuvenation on the tracks that are needed to be made.

After work is complete the company will be spreading brown top grass seed to assist revegetation over time.  

“We know the landscape in the area is one of the draw cards for both locals and tourists, and want to reassure people that any shine on the new steel poles will diminish over time and blend more into the landscape,” Mark said.  

All customers in Clyde should have received information about the project from Aurora already. 

Residents can check on the local electricity network on The Central App using the Roads | Weather | Reports button, under Power Outages.