The Mervyn Davies Report - One year on
16 Feb 2010
Power and Water is on track to fulfil the recommendations of the Mervyn Davies Report, released one year ago.The Mervyn Davies Report followed failures at Casuarina Zone Substation, which resulted in outages across Darwin’s northern suburbs.
Mr Davies this month reviewed progress reports on the resulting program of works.
His key recommendations of February 2009 were:
- to replace the failed switchboard at Casuarina Zone Substation;
- increase staff numbers and training; and
- change the Corporation’s approach to maintenance.
"I am satisfied that Power and Water is progressing, if at times doggedly, on this,” Mr Davies said.
“Given the climate and the condition equipment was in at the start of this process, I think the progress so far has been commendable.”
Dr Keith Beven, General Manager of the Remedial Asset Management Program, said progress had been considerable and consistent.
"We have carried out intensive testing on all zone substation equipment and restored a number of key sites,” he said.
“We have employed additional staff, purchased state-of-the-art equipment and had training equal to any other utility to ensure we identify and address weaknesses in the system.”
Casuarina Zone Substation is currently secured on two new, temporary switchboards with installation of the new permanent switchboard underway.
“We have installed two of the three sections of the switchboard and are now working through the process of energising those,” Dr Beven said.
“The new board will be in place mid-year, we will also install a new transformer and expect to commission this by September.”
Over the long term, asset condition monitoring, reforms to policy and procedure, staff training and development, management culture, asset condition reporting and cycling of works will be embedded within the organisation.
Dr Beven said there would always be interruptions to the power supply, but work to be carried out over the next two to five years would minimise the risk of equipment-related outages.
“Electricity systems are susceptible to lightning strikes, trees or branches, animals and other natural or human elements,” he said.
“What we are doing is ensuring a more robust system going forward.
“During this process, customers will experience more planned outages but we are working overnight and on weekends to minimise these.
“We certainly appreciate your patience through this time.”
Mr Davies said Power and Water was one year into a sizeable investment plan.
“The progress has been consistent but there are no quick fixes in electricity systems,” he said.
“They are complex and require ongoing capital outlay, particularly in a growing area such as the Territory.”
Refer to the following reports for more information:
- Mervyn Davies' Enquiry: Power and Water's Third Progress Report (Summary version)
- Mervyn Davies' Enquiry: Power and Water's Third Progress Report (Extended technical version)
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