Two power stations affected by fires in north-west Tasmania have returned to service, with other damaged infrastructure still needing to be assessed.
The fires in Tasmania’s Mersey Forth scheme affected the Rowallan, Fisher and Lemonthyme power stations and caused significant damage to power poles, communications services and the transmission line between Fisher and Rowallan power stations.
Hydro Chief Operating Officer, Mr Evangelista Albertini said, “As fire conditions eased, and we were advised it was safe to do so, our people have accessed the power stations to inspect their condition and start work on return to service,”
“We have installed standby generators to provide power to equipment that controls the flow of water from Lake Mackenzie into and through Fisher Power Station and the hilltop valve that supplies Lemonthyme Power Station.”
Fisher and Lemonthyme power stations are now available for operation as part of the broader generation portfolio.
Damage is still being assessed to the transmission line serving Rowallan Power Station. Many of the damaged power poles are located in challenging terrain, so it’s expected to take at least a number of months to undertake a full repair, depending on ongoing weather and fire conditions.
The impact of the fires has not resulted in any adverse impact on energy security for Tasmania.
