Ergon Energy has launched three emergency high-voltage generation units in preparation for the hot summer.
The units, called ‘Pegasus’ have the capacity to power a small community and are deployed after major natural disasters or other network impacts.
In instances where the power networks are not catastrophically damaged, the units can also be connected with mobile generators to restore power in emergencies.
The 1.5 megavolt amp high-voltage generation units are able to be transported around Victoria and be deployed to the impacted region within four to six hours.
The pegasus units can be fully controlled and monitored remotely by Ergon Energy’s central network control rooms which reduce the logistical and safety issues that occur when using generators for temporary restoration.
The units were successfully deployed in the wake of tropical cyclone Marcia in early 2015. One unit was used to power the Byfield community while 30km of destroyed network was rebuilt and another unit restored power to Marlborough and Clairview.
