Annual Report of the Technical Regulator
Electricity 2014-15
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Report of the Technical Regulator This is the annual report of the Technical Regulator under the Electricity Act 1996 and the Energy Products (Safety and Efficiency) Act 2000 (the Acts). It describes the operations of the Technical Regulator for the financial year 2014-15 as required by sections 14 and 25 of the Acts respectively. These sections require the Minister to cause a copy of the report to be laid before both houses of Parliament.
The Technical Regulator is a statutory office established by Section 7 of the Electricity Act 1996. Robert Faunt has held this office since he was appointed as the Technical Regulator on 28 February 2003.
Technical Regulator: Robert Faunt
Address: Level 8, ANZ Building 11 Waymouth Street Adelaide 5000
Postal Address: GPO Box 320 Adelaide SA 5001
Telephone: (08) 8226 5500
Facsimile: (08) 8226 5529
Office Hours: 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays)
Website: www.sa.gov.au/otr
Email: [email protected]
ISSN: 1832-8687
Front Cover Photos: Top: Vegetation clearance, courtesy of SA Power Networks
Middle: OTR engineer auditing an electricity generation facility
Bottom: Wind turbines at the Clements Gap wind farm
Inside Photos: Quarantine Power Station (page 8), courtesy of Origin Energy
Asset maintenance (page 12), courtesy of SA Power Networks
Damaged infrastructure (page 14), courtesy of SA Power Networks
Note: All photographs in this report have been used with the permission of the relevant provider.
Annual Report of the Technical Regulator
Electricity 2013-14
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Preface This report covers the Technical Regulator’s operations under the Electricity Act 1996 and the Technical Regulator’s administration of the Energy Products (Safety and Efficiency) Act 2000 for the financial year ending 30 June 2015.
Electricity Act 1996
Section 3 of the Electricity Act 1996 states that:
“The objects of this Act are—
(a) to promote efficiency and competition in the electricity supply industry; and
(b) to promote the establishment and maintenance of a safe and efficient system of electricity generation, transmission, distribution and supply; and
(c) to establish and enforce proper standards of safety, reliability and quality in the electricity supply industry; and
(d) to establish and enforce proper safety and technical standards for electrical installations; and
(e) to protect the interests of consumers of electricity.”
Section 8 of the Act states that:
“The Technical Regulator has the following functions:
(a) the monitoring and regulation of safety and technical standards in the electricity supply industry; and
(b) the monitoring and regulation of safety and technical standards with respect to electrical installations; and
(c) the administration of the provisions of this Act relating to the clearance of vegetation from powerlines; and
(ca) the monitoring and investigation of major interruptions to the electricity supply in the State and the provision of reports relating to such interruptions in accordance with any requirements prescribed by the regulations; and
(d) any other functions prescribed by regulation or assigned to the Technical Regulator by or under this or any other Act.”
Energy Products (Safety and Efficiency) Act 2000
The Energy Products (Safety and Efficiency) Act 2000 makes provisions relating to the safety, performance, energy efficiency and labelling of products powered by electricity, gas or some other energy source.
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Content
Report of the Technical Regulator i
Preface ii
Content iii
Technical Regulator’s Commentary 1
The Office of the Technical Regulator 3
Section 1: Electrical Infrastructure 4 1.1. Electricity Supply 4 1.1.1. Purpose of the SRMTMP 4 1.1.2. Audits of Compliance 4 1.2. Audits by the Technical Regulator 4 1.2.1. SA Power Networks 5 1.2.2. ElectraNet 7 1.3. Ensuring Safety within the Electricity Supply Industry 7 1.4. Major Generators 8 1.5. Wind Generation 9 1.6. Transmission 9 1.6.1. ElectraNet’s Key Performance Indicators 10 1.6.2. Murraylink Transmission Company 10 1.7. Distribution 10 1.7.1. SA Power Networks Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) 12 1.8. Emergency Management 13
Section 2: Safety Clearances to Powerlines 14 2.1. Vegetation Clearance 14 2.1.1. Risks associated with Vegetation near Powerlines 14 2.1.2. Vegetation Clearance Objections 15 2.1.3. Vegetation Clearance Agreements 15 2.1.4. Exemption to Planting Restrictions 15 2.2. Building and Working Clearances 16 2.2.1. Risks associated with Buildings near Powerlines 16 2.2.2. Building Clearance Approvals 16 2.2.3. Equipment contacting overhead powerlines 18
Section 3: Electrical Installations 19 3.1. Targeted Audits 19 3.2. Major Events 21 3.3. Major Incidents/Investigations 21 3.3.1. Electrical accidents 21 3.3.2. Electrical fires 22 3.4. Shock Reports 22
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3.5. Disciplinary action 23 3.5.1. Prosecutions 23 3.5.2. Expiations 23 3.5.3. Referral to the Office of Consumer and Business Services (CBS) 23 3.6. Communication and Education 23 3.6.1. ‘Roadshows’ and other Presentations 23 3.6.2. Displays and Trade Functions 24 3.6.3. Regulation Roundup 24 3.6.4. Technical Standards Committees 25 3.7. Electrical Installation Work Indicators 25
Section 4: Electrical Products 26 4.1. Role of the Technical Regulator 26 4.2. Product Safety 27 4.2.1. Product Approval 27 4.2.2. Product Approval Safety Process 27 4.2.3. Risks due to faulty or misused Products 28 4.2.4. Product Failures and Corrective Actions 30 4.2.5. Recall Notices 31 4.2.6. Stop Sales 31 4.2.7. Mutual Recognition 31 4.3. Product Energy Efficiency 32 4.4. Performance Indicators 32 4.4.1. Product Enquiries 32 4.4.2. Approval Figures for 2014-15 33 4.4.3. Actions on Products for 2014-15 33 4.4.4. Industry Communication 35
Section 5: Consumer Safety Awareness 36 5.1. Consumer Education 36 5.1.1. Increasing Consumer Awareness 36 5.1.2. Continuous Safety Promotion 36 5.1.3. Technical Regulator Website 36 5.2. Electrical Safety Survey 38 5.2.1. Objectives 38 5.2.2. Sample 38 5.2.3. Key Outcomes 38
Section 6: Regulatory Coordination 40 6.1. Electrical Technical Advisory Committee (ETAC) 40 6.2. Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council (ERAC) 40 6.3. Energy Industry Ombudsman 42
Appendix 1: Operating Statement 43
Appendix 2: Personal Injury 45
Appendix 3: Legislative Framework 46 Appendix 4: Risks associated with the electricity industry and the activities of the Technical Regulator 51
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Appendix 5: Products 52
Appendix 6: Generators 54
Appendix 7: Transmission 57
Appendix 8: Distribution 59
Appendix 9: Glossary and Abbreviations 61
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Technical Regulator’s Commentary The major issues that arose from the Technical Regulator’s operations and administration in 2014-15 were:
Electrical Safety Performance and Fatalities
Unfortunately two electrocutions occurred in South Australia during the past financial year. In one instance a retired fitter and turner made contact with a disconnected cable of a homemade work light. The second fatality involved a retired electrician who made contact with a test lead while repairing electric motors at home.
The Office of the Technical Regulator (OTR) expresses condolences to the loved ones of these unfortunate men. Such tragic events re-emphasize the need for proper work procedures and methods, and an appropriate risk assessment when undertaking all work associated with electricity. They also confirm the on-going need for education and promotion of electrical safety within the industry and the general public.
To achieve the objectives of increasing safety in the electrical industry, the Technical Regulator monitors and regulates the electricity trades by auditing electrical workers, contractors and electrical installations. Audits are carried out on targeted areas of the electrical industry where specific issues have been identified in relation to non-compliance with electrical standards.
Building and Vegetation Clearances from Powerlines
Despite rigorous administrative processes to ensure that people are aware of safety distances between buildings and powerlines the Technical Regulator continues to see examples of non-compliant buildings and worksites which often require costly rectification. In 2014-15 the Technical Regulator successfully managed two such cases in cooperation with all involved to achieve safe and acceptable outcomes.
The Technical Regulator also administers the legislative requirements to maintain clearance distances between powerlines and vegetation, and monitors the network operators’ compliance with these requirements. The intention of these prescribed distances is to minimise the risk of catastrophic bushfires being started by powerlines.
Electrical Products Regulation
Electrical products that are either manufactured in or imported into South Australia require approval prior to sale. The Technical Regulator also monitors these products after sale, through field audits and product investigations, based on reported failures.
The Technical Regulator is represented on national regulatory and standards committees to assist regulators to act in a coordinated manner throughout Australia, and the Safety standards impose a common and acceptable level of safety.
Communication and Education
The Technical Regulator, in conjunction with the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) and SA Power Networks, conducted a series of safety seminars throughout the State. The seminars give the opportunity for interaction between the industry and the Technical Regulator. This year 76 presentations were delivered to various industry groups.
The Technical Regulator also provides a range of other educational material, such as a biennial industry newsletter, various safety brochures and information provided on the Technical Regulator website.
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Summary
The Technical Regulator continued to perform functions well during the 2014-15 financial year.
Analysis of resource efficiency indicates that the office is making good use of available resources.
All requirements of the legislation assigned to the Technical Regulator have been addressed throughout the year within the resources allocated for this purpose.
Rob Faunt, Technical Regulator
September 2015
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The Office of the Technical Regulator The roles and functions of the Technical Regulator within the electricity industry are established by the Electricity Act 1996 and the Energy Products (Safety and Efficiency) Act 2000, (the Acts) together with the associated Regulations.
The Technical Regulator is responsible to the South Australian Government for the safety and technical performance of the electrical industry, to maximise the safety of the community. To fulfil this responsibility, the Technical Regulator carries out an extensive range of activities, including monitoring electrical safety and performance standards and enforcing the electrical industry’s compliance with these standards.
The Office of the Technical Regulator (OTR) assists the Technical Regulator in carrying out the Technical Regulator’s function under the Acts. In 2014-15 the OTR employed 47.8 full time equivalent (FTE) positions within the Energy Markets and Programs Division of the Department of State Development (DSD). Nineteen FTE positions are assigned to the Electrical Branch of the Technical Regulator. Administration and legal support are shared between the Electrical, Gas and Water branches.
The activities undertaken by the electrical infrastructure, electrical installations and electrical products sections of the OTR are discussed in detail in this report.
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Section 1: Electrical Infrastructure The Technical Regulator is responsible for the monitoring and regulation of safety and technical standards in the electricity supply industry to promote the establishment and maintenance of safe and efficient electricity generation, transmission, distribution and supply systems, as stated in the Electricity Act 1996.
1.1. Electricity Supply A key licence requirement for electricity infrastructure entities (generator of electricity and operator of a transmission or distribution network) under the Electricity Act 1996 is to prepare and periodically revise a safety, reliability, maintenance and technical management plan (SRMTMP). The details to be included in the SRMTMP are listed in Regulation 72(2) of the Electricity (General) Regulations 2012.
The Technical Regulator reviews an electrical entity’s SRMTMP and, where appropriate, makes recommendations and comments to assist in refining it before recommending it to the licensing authority for the electricity supply industry, the Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA), for approval.
1.1.1. Purpose of the SRMTMP The Technical Regulator aims to ensure the safety of electricity infrastructure. Section 60 of the Electricity Act 1996 requires a person who owns or operates electricity infrastructure to take reasonable steps to ensure that:
the infrastructure complies with and is operated in accordance with the technical and safety requirements imposed under the regulations, and the infrastructure is safe and safely operated
A SRMTMP is a high level document relating to the operational standards, which define key performance indicators to measure actual performance of an entity. It provides an auditable quality approach to industry safety and technical performance, encouraging the continuous improvement of safety systems and technical compliance.
The SRMTMP addresses issues relating to the technical standards, operating and maintenance procedures and management practices, including electrical and safety requirements, applicable to an entity. The SRMTMP demonstrates the means by which the entity will comply with the direct requirements of the legislation as well as the Standards and Codes called up by the legislation.
There were 49 SRMTMPs in operation, as of 30 June 2015. Sixteen of these plans relate to the operations of wind farms in South Australia.
1.1.2. Audits of Compliance Entities with a SRMTMP in operation longer than 12 months are required to complete an audit of their compliance with the plan. The regulatory process encourages electricity industry participants to take a continuous improvement approach through this audit.
Once the Technical Regulator has reviewed the audit report and is satisfied that the entity has addressed all identified issues and complied with its SRMTMP, the entity then updates the SRMTMP to include required changes identified in the audit and any recommendations from the Technical Regulator. This process forms the basis of the annual update of the SRMTMPs. The Technical Regulator may also make recommendations for the format of future audit reports.
1.2. Audits by the Technical Regulator In addition to relying on the self-audits of the electricity industry, each year the Technical Regulator conducts safety and technical audits of a number of electricity entities, covering selected aspects of their operations under regulation 72(3) of the Electricity (General) Regulations 2012.
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The purpose of the audits is to verify that electricity entities are complying with their SRMTMP on matters within the scope of the audit.
The audits ensure that safety and technical standards are maintained in the electricity supply industry by confirming that:
appropriate systems and processes have been developed; compliance with these systems and processes is maintained; and the systems and processes comply with the entity’s current approved SRMTMP.
The Technical Regulator conducts both field audits and desktop audits in order to confirm that appropriate policies and procedures are in place and adopted by staff to ensure the safe and reliable operations of an electricity entity. The desktop audits for each entity cover a range of topics with some core questions being common for all audits, whereas the field audits by their nature are limited to sample operations.
Both types of audit often include an element to be audited where a particular failure of an entity may, in the past, have come to the attention of the Technical Regulator. Samples and topics audited are therefore not necessarily chosen at random. The findings generally allow the Technical Regulator to develop an understanding of the entities’ operations and asset maintenance.
The Technical Regulator envisages auditing all South Australian electricity entities over a regular cycle, but has to take into account operational and staffing issues of the office and a large increase in the number of small entities over recent years.
As an exception to the above mentioned cycle, SA Power Networks is audited on an annual basis due to the large number of the SA Power Networks’ assets, which results in a comparatively higher risk for the general public.
Figure 1-1: Audit of an electricity generation facility by the Technical Regulator
1.2.1. SA Power Networks The Technical Regulator undertook a field audit of SA Power Networks on 4 December 2014, taking into account documented procedures previously supplied by SA Power Networks. The field audit sought to
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verify that documented processes for vegetation inspections were adhered to, and to identify gaps for improvement.
The field audit was undertaken in the area between Strathalbyn and Lake Alexandrina. The OTR auditor accompanied a SAPN vegetation inspector for a day to observe SAPN’s processes to ensure that vegetation has a sufficient clearance and buffer zone from the powerlines at all times. The audit included discussing the tools used to map and record vegetation, as well as tools used to measure the distance between vegetation and the powerlines.
Figure 1-2: Vegetation inspection near Langhorne Creek Vegetation Management
Section 4.3 of the 2014 SA Power Networks’ SRMTMP provides a high-level overview of the vegetation management work undertaken by SA Power Networks. The document states that “the purpose of the vegetation management program is to maintain statutory clearances between trees and power lines as a critical part of bushfire risk mitigation.”
Since January 2010 the scoping and cutting of vegetation has been undertaken by contractors, with SA Power Networks inspectors auditing the contractors to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Electricity (Principles of Vegetation Clearance) Regulations 2010. SA Power Networks inspectors may undertake a “Scoping Audit” to ensure that the contractor has correctly assessed the amount of vegetation which needs to be pruned from a particular plant prior to any pruning, or a “Cutting Audit” to check that appropriate distances are actually maintained.
During the 2014 field audit the SA Power Networks inspector undertook the task thoroughly, and non- compliances by the contractor were identified, reported and rectified. The inspection regime appears to work effectively to identify vegetation clearance non-compliances, which need to be rectified by the
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contractor at additional cost or effort. This creates an incentive for the contractor to employ best endeavours to correctly scope and prune the vegetation at all times in order to mitigate the bushfire risk as much as reasonably possible.
1.2.2. ElectraNet In September 2014 the OTR undertook a desktop audit of the ElectraNet SRMTMP and document review to seek a better understanding of the following topics (amongst others):
Vegetation Clearance Management
ElectraNet provided a detailed overview on how the organisation keeps track of its vegetation clearance management program and explained the KPIs to achieve this objective. ElectraNet further elaborated how its vegetation management contractor is being audited to ensure compliance with legislated requirements in order to reduce the risks from transmission lines being too close to vegetation.
Bushfire Risk Management
ElectraNet satisfactorily explained the process to assess and manage the condition of transmission lines and the thresholds for de-energising lines on high bushfire risk days as a preventative measure.
Asset Condition and Performance Monitoring
The discussion on this topic included the inspection frequency, preventative maintenance test (including documented evidence) and a follow-up discussion on a matter that arose in 2010 when a shackle failed.
Other topics of discussion at the audit included defect management, maintenance standards, asset monitoring, public safety management practice, switching and others.
Overall the auditors found that ElectraNet demonstrated adherence to its SRMTMP.
1.3. Ensuring Safety within the Electricity Supply Industry Public Safety
Public safety is achieved under the Electricity Act 1996 through:
The prescription of safe distances between powerlines and structures or vegetation; The definition of safe working distances in proximity to powerlines, which vary depending on the voltage of the powerlines, the type of activity being performed and the risk assessment being considered by the worker; and The definition of technical safety.
Safe Work Practices
The safety of electrical workers is regulated by the Work Health and Safety Act 2012. Accidents are required to be reported in accordance with Regulation 70 of the Electricity (General) Regulations 2012.
The Electricity Act 1996 and the Electricity (General) Regulations 2012 set out requirements related to the safety of electricity infrastructure, including monitoring through SRMTMPs and also of electrical installations. Safety performance is measured against nationally accepted benchmarks and expressed as:
Lost Time Injuries – the number of injuries resulting in more than one working day lost Medical Treatment Injuries – the number of injuries requiring medical treatment
Electricity entities provide these indicators as part of their annual reporting to the Technical Regulator.
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Live Powerline Work Safety
The Electricity (General) Regulations 2012 prescribe safety procedures and processes to be employed while working on or near live powerlines. A person who wants to perform high voltage live line work must complete an appropriate training course. The content of that course and the course and training provider must be approved by the Technical Regulator.
Currently, six training providers have obtained Technical Regulator approval:
SA Power Networks Skill Enhancement Centre Omaka Training (New Zealand) TransGrid SERECT—a subsidiary of Electrité de France (EDF) Aeropower Pty Ltd Powerline Training Pty Ltd
Substation Work Safety
Substations are considered high risk areas. Prior to working in a substation, a worker must have the appropriate level of accreditation for access to the required areas and functions in the substations, complete an induction and follow safe access processes including compliance with work permit systems.
1.4. Major Generators In South Australia the major entities responsible for scheduled generation supply a total installed capacity of 3639 MW. Please refer to Appendix 6 for a list of major generators in South Australia.
Natural gas is the source of fuel for the majority of the generators. The gas is piped from two independent sources: the Moomba-Adelaide Pipeline (MAP) and the SEAGas Pipeline.
In June 2015, Alinta Energy announced that its Flinders Operations in Port Augusta (Northern & Playford B Power Stations) and Leigh Creek Mine will not operate beyond March 2018 (and may close earlier but not before March 2016) as its continuing operation had become increasingly uneconomic.
Figure 1-3: Origin Energy’s Quarantine Power Station
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1.5. Wind Generation South Australia has the highest installed capacity and contribution from wind energy in the country. Currently, there are 16 wind generation licenses with a total output capacity of 1473 MW.
Large wind farms include AGL Hydro Partnership’s three generating licences at Bluff Wind Farm (52.5 MW), North Brown Hill Wind Farm (132.3 MW) and Hallett Hill Wind Farm (71.4 MW), AGL Power Generation’s Brown Hill Wind Farm (94.5 MW), Energy Australia’s Waterloo Wind Farm (111 MW), Snowtown Pty Ltd Wind Farm (98.7 MW) and the three stages of Lake Bonney Wind Power Pty Ltd having a total generating capacity of 278.5 MW.
Reference: AEMO: SA existing wind generation information (15 May 2015) and ESCOSA Licences 1.6. Transmission In South Australia, the major entity responsible for electricity transmission is ElectraNet Pty Limited trading as ElectraNet. At 30 June 2015, there were approximately 5,600 circuit kilometres of transmission lines operating at voltages of 275 kV, 132 kV and 66 kV as shown in Table 1.6.1:
The South Australian electricity transmission network is connected to Victoria through the Heywood and Murraylink interconnectors.
Table 1.6.1: ElectraNet transmission network length
Voltage (kV) Overhead (km) Underground (km) 275 2,571 26 132 2,997 0 66 23 3 Total 5,591 29
ElectraNet operates 88 substations. Substations included in the transmission network are primarily of outdoor construction and air insulated. The network includes some gas insulated metal clad switchgear. ElectraNet does not own all of the assets or land at a number of substations; these sites are shared with other electricity entities, primarily SA Power Networks, the operator of the distribution network.
Figure 1-4: ElectraNet’s 275kV underground cable marker
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A system monitoring and switching centre for the transmission network is located in Adelaide and includes Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) facilities to monitor system conditions at substations and to control equipment in the network.
The transmission system is the backbone of electricity supply in South Australia and is being maintained at a high level of reliability and availability. A number of thermal generators and wind farms are connected to this transmission network at various locations throughout the state.
Transmission Line Availability
Transmission line availability for the ElectraNet transmission network was 99.52% for 2014-15.
1.6.1. ElectraNet’s Key Performance Indicators ElectraNet’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) from its SRMTMP are listed in Appendix 7. These cover safety and technical Standards against which ElectraNet reports its performance.
1.6.2. Murraylink Transmission Company The Murraylink Transmission Company Pty Ltd runs an inter-regional transmission service comprising two high voltage direct current cables 176 kilometres in length between Berri in South Australia and Red Cliffs in Victoria. At both ends of the cable is a DC-AC converter station to connect Murraylink to the existing transmission systems in South Australia (at 132 kV) and Victoria (at 220 kV).
Murraylink is a bi-directional facility with a steady state transfer capability of 220 MW at the receiving end. It provides South Australian consumers with access to generation from Victoria and New South Wales at times of local peak loads or generation shortfall. During off-peak periods, Murraylink is able to export excess South Australian generation to Victoria and New South Wales consumers.
Interconnector Performance Indicators
The Technical Regulator requires Murraylink to include performance indicators in its annual SRMTMP report to the Technical Regulator as required under the Electricity (General) Regulations 2012. In 2014-15, the overall interconnector availability was 97.29%.
1.7. Distribution In South Australia, the entity primarily responsible for electricity distribution is SA Power Networks which serves approx. 850,000 customers. There are a number of smaller distribution entities covering remote areas. Some of these areas are currently managed by SA Power Networks under contract. The SA Power Networks’ distribution system consists of 88,212 kilometres of overhead lines and underground cables and 405 substations. Some distribution substations are within sites shared with ElectraNet.
Table 1.7.1: Distribution network length at June 2015
Operating Voltage Overhead (km) Underground (km) Low Voltage (<1000 Volts) 18,932 12,851 11 kV (includes 7.6 kV) 17,793 3,892 19 kV (SWER) 29,118 59 33 kV 3,957 115 66 kV 1,430 54 132 kV¹ 11 0 Total 71,241 16,971
Note 1: Licence modified to allow for 132 kV distribution assets
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Reliability
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) advised of numerous severe weather events in 2014-15 of which many were categorised as Significant Weather Events (SWE), and with three days being classified under the more severe category of Major Event Days (MEDs). Such events pose a major challenge for the reliability and management of the electricity distribution network.
The reliability indicator “Unplanned System Average Interruption Duration Index” (USAIDI) for the SA Power Networks’ distribution system in 2014-15 was an average of 152 minutes per customer, down from 287 minutes per customer in the previous year. The three MEDs contributed 28.2 minutes to this figure.
The calculations for SA Power Networks’ normalised USAIDI1 performance, (i.e. excluding significant weather events) in accordance with a modified IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Standard 13662 resulted in a State-wide USAIDI of 124 minutes.
The Technical Regulator is continuing to monitor SA Power Networks’ performance across all areas.
USAIDI in South Australia 350 311 287 300
250
200 197 199 201 200 164 159 197 152 184 136 150 181 172 174 SAIDI SAIDI Minutes 136 136 143 100 130 124
50
- 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15 USAIDI (overall) USAIDI (normalised) Year
Figure 1-5: State-wide unplanned SAIDI3 for SA (minutes per customer) Note 1: From 1 July 2010 SA Power Networks reporting to the Regulator is based on Outage Management System (OMS) data (available from 1 July 2005). This includes more accurate linking between the distribution system and customers’ low voltage data and excludes planned interruptions. All years shown have been revised to reflect this change and to allow like-for-like comparison.
Note 2: SA Power Networks has excluded the major impact of significant weather events by excluding Major Event Day (MED) performance from the normalised performance. The MED is determined in accordance with the Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) Service Target Performance Incentive Scheme Guideline which mirrors the IEEE Standard.
Note 3: Includes unplanned interruptions on the high voltage and low voltage distribution network.
SA Power Networks also provides quarterly reports to the Technical Regulator which details all major outages in the previous quarter.
Outage Causes
Outage causes may be planned4 or unplanned. The two major causes of unplanned interruptions across the State during the 2014-15 period were ‘Weather’ and ‘Equipment failure’ followed by ‘Unknown’ causes.
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‘Weather’ and ‘Equipment failure’ accounted for 24% and 17% respectively of the interruptions in 2014-15. SA Power Networks performance is generally relatively consistent with the previous years’ performance (i.e. causes fall within the normally expected range), with the exception of Weather, which is lower than the average (due to fewer Major Event Days), Equipment failure, which is also lower than the average and Planned, which is higher than the average performance, mainly due to increased system upgrade works on the network.
SA Power Networks is flagging that there may be a trend of increased ‘Equipment failure’ in the coming year due to the ageing of its assets, for example, ageing underground cables.
Figure 1-6: Contribution to SAIDI by cause for 2014-15
Note 4: SA Power Networks is required to use its best endeavours to provide each customer affected by a planned outage (if > 15 minutes) with at least 4 business days’ notice
1.7.1. SA Power Networks Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) SA Power Networks KPIs are provided above and in Appendix 8. These KPI’s cover service and technical standards and include supply interruptions, power surges and low and high voltage complaints. SA Power Networks reports its performance against these KPIs, with reliability and outage indicators on a quarterly basis and all other indicators on an annual basis. The Technical Regulator receives and reviews these reports and follows up on any technical issues, where deemed appropriate, to ensure that corrective action has been taken or is planned. This reporting process ensures that the Technical Regulator is kept informed of major outages and provides assurance that the reliability of electricity supply is being maintained or improved.
Figure 1-7: SA Power Network’s asset maintenance
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1.8. Emergency Management The Technical Regulator works closely with all relevant emergency management stakeholders to assist in ensuring the resilience of the state in case of an energy emergency. Stakeholders included the SA Engineering Functional Service, SA Police, AEMO and personnel of all major energy entities in South Australia.
The Technical Regulator has several staff members who are regularly engaged with the Engineering Functional Service, which provides engineering services and advice in response to a State emergency.
The Technical Regulator also manages the electricity load shedding list in cooperation with SA Power Networks, ElectraNet and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). The list sets out the electrical circuits which should be tripped by the power system’s automatic protection mechanisms or if AEMO instructs South Australia to reduce load to maintain the power system’s security and integrity. The preparation of a rotational load shedding list is an obligation on the Technical Regulator under the National Electricity Rules in his role as the Jurisdictional System Security Coordinator for South Australia.
The Technical Regulator reviews the load shedding list on an annual basis in cooperation with SA Power Networks and ElectraNet to ensure all available electrical circuits are included and that the relevant systems and procedures are accurate and appropriate. The Technical Regulator also cooperates with AEMO throughout the year to guarantee an optimal response to any electricity emergency that may arise in South Australia.
There were no reported instances of under frequency or rotational load shedding in 2014-15.
The Technical Regulator monitors recent dynamic developments within the energy supply industry and their impact on energy security, including the looming closure of the Port Augusta power stations, and the impact of new mass technologies such as solar generation and battery storage systems. The Technical Regulator cooperates closely with all relevant stakeholders to assess the impacts of these developments.
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Section 2: Safety Clearances to Powerlines The Technical Regulator is responsible for the administration of the provisions of the Electricity Act 1996 relating to the safe clearance of buildings and structures, workers and equipment and vegetation from powerlines.
Where there is a dispute relating to either vegetation or building clearances, the Technical Regulator strives to facilitate a sensible, safe and agreeable resolution that complies with the requirements of the legislation.
2.1. Vegetation Clearance The Technical Regulator administers the Electricity (Principles of Vegetation Clearance) Regulations 2010 which include:
the required clearance distances and the normal clearance cycle of vegetation. the list of species of vegetation which may be planted or nurtured near powerlines and providing the occupiers of land an opportunity to lodge an objection in relation to vegetation clearance issues.
2.1.1. Risks associated with Vegetation near Powerlines The risks directly associated with vegetation contacting powerlines include electric shocks, fire, damage to infrastructure and interruptions of supply.
To protect people and property from these risks, clearance zones and buffer zones which limit the amount of pruning of vegetation and planting restrictions have been established under the Electricity (Principles of Vegetation Clearance) Regulations 2010.
Figure 2-1: Damage to the electricity infrastructure due to a severe storm In South Australia, a special case for concern is the risk of bushfires being started by overhead powerlines. This risk is principally managed through vegetation clearance keeping flammable material well away from powerlines.
No major fires in South Australia due to vegetation contacting the electricity transmission or distribution system were reported during 2014-15. SA Power Networks reported 0.6 fire starts per 1000 km of mains (see Appendix 8).
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Figure 2-2: Vegetation clearance around powerlines
2.1.2. Vegetation Clearance Objections Electrical entities conduct a periodic vegetation inspection with a frequency of no longer than three years. In bushfire risk areas, annual inspections are conducted prior to the bushfire season.
When an electricity entity identifies vegetation on private property as requiring trimming or removal, the entity is required to provide the owner or occupier with a 30 day notice of intention to enter the property to cut vegetation. The owner or occupier then has 21 days after receiving the notice to lodge a written notice of objection with the Technical Regulator.
During the year the Technical Regulator assisted with 37 objections and numerous complaints regarding vegetation clearance issues. In all cases a mutually acceptable outcome was achieved.
The Technical Regulator held regular meetings with SA Power Networks and Active Tree Services’ management throughout the year, to discuss any disputes or other matters regarding vegetation near powerlines, which had come to the attention of the Technical Regulator.
2.1.3. Vegetation Clearance Agreements The Electricity Act 1996 makes provision for electricity transmission and distribution entities and councils to enter into agreed vegetation clearance schemes under which vegetation clearance responsibilities may be conferred on a council. A council also may agree to pay for the cost of more frequent clearance in order to reduce the scale of a three yearly pruning by the entity.
There are currently no such agreements in place between any council and SA Power Networks.
2.1.4. Exemption to Planting Restrictions The Electricity (Principles of Vegetation Clearance) Regulations 2010 list species of vegetation that may be planted under or in proximity to powerlines. The selected species are not expected to exceed a certain height or encroach into the buffer or clearance zone.
In some instances, the Technical Regulator may allow non-listed vegetation to be planted in proximity to powerlines. This is done through a conditional exemption from planting restrictions. The conditions
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generally specify the minimum safety clearance between vegetation and powerlines and put an obligation on the exemption recipient to maintain these clearances at all times.
The Technical Regulator has noticed an increase in instances where owners of private properties wish to have such exemptions removed, which often happens upon change of ownership of the land.
Table 2.1.1: Planting Restriction Exemptions for 2014-15
Exemptions submitted through SA Power Networks 3 Exemptions submitted through ElectraNet 0 Transfer of existing exemptions to new land owners 2
2.2. Building and Working Clearances The Electricity (General) Regulations 2012, under the Electricity Act 1996 define the minimum clearances between buildings or structures and powerlines. Section 86 of the Electricity Act 1996 also gives the Technical Regulator power to grant an approval (subject to limitations as specified in the Electricity (General) Regulations 2012) for a building or structure to be erected within the prescribed clearance distances.
2.2.1. Risks associated with Buildings near Powerlines Minimum building clearances are defined in legislation to prevent electric shocks, damage to infrastructure or property, and to ensure reliability of supply.
The Technical Regulator actively promotes awareness of these legislated distances within the construction industry by providing verbal and written advice and presentations, undertaking site assessments, and through distributing information via brochures and the internet.
The Electricity Act 1996 makes provisions for an electricity entity to rectify identified breaches of minimum safety clearances and recover the costs by means of a court order
2.2.2. Building Clearance Approvals The Technical Regulator is responsible for granting approvals under Section 86 of the Electricity Act 1996 for the erection of buildings in proximity to powerlines.
Any requests for approval to build within the prescribed safety clearance area are assessed individually, by means of a risk assessment which takes into consideration the safety of building construction and maintenance as well as the finished building.
Table 2.2.1: Building Clearance Approvals for 2014-15
Number of approvals granted 7 Number of requests for approval rejected 0
Following is an example of the Technical Regulator’s activity in this area:
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In February 2015, SafeWork SA brought to the attention of the Technical Regulator that a double storey residential building in Magill was in the process of being built in unsafe proximity to low and high voltage powerlines. Furthermore, the scaffold used for the works was also dangerously close to powerlines with a high risk of persons getting injured.
SafeWork SA and the Technical Regulator took coordinated initial action, with a Stop-Work notice issued by SafeWork SA, and the Technical Regulator providing advice on how to safely dismantle the scaffolding to eliminate the immediate safety risk.
The Technical Regulator then conducted a root-cause analysis, including discussions with the architect to explain how this situation had arisen in the first instance, and why standard safety considerations had not led to the detection of this issue prior to designing the building.
The Technical Regulator then consulted with all relevant stakeholders to resolve the problem, and facilitate discussions with SA Power Networks to look at network solutions.
In the very rare event that such situations arise there are unfortunately often only very limited possibilities to resolve the matter, and they can be broadly categorized in three sections:
Either the building design needs to change (which can be very costly when the construction is in an advanced state); or The powerlines need to be shifted away (which can also be very costly); or Additional safe measures must be installed to achieve the same level of safety as if appropriate clearance distances had been maintained (which is often not easily and objectively possible).
In this particular case, following court action, the involved stakeholders eventually agreed for SA Power Networks to shift the powerlines for which SA Power Networks will charge the responsible person. Works are envisaged for November 2015.
The Technical Regulator therefore emphasises that established safety checks prior to designing a building must not be taken light-heartedly, because it helps to avoid expensive rectification during a later stage in the life of a structure.
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Figure 2-3: Building near powerlines with tiger tails applied
2.2.3. Equipment contacting overhead powerlines Twenty three incidents involving contact of equipment with powerlines were reported to the Technical Regulator in 2014-15. This compares with 20 in the previous year. Twelve of the cases involved contact by vehicles such as cranes, tipper trucks or farm machinery with overhead powerlines. In addition, five excavators made contact with powerlines. One aviation incident occurred when a helicopter hit overhead powerlines while flying over a national park.
Figure 2-4: Technical Regulator engineer delivering safety advice on crane operation near powerlines
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Section 3: Electrical Installations The Technical Regulator’s safety presentations to the industry continue to play a vital role in maintaining a good safety record within the industry. Utilising Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), presentations are delivered to pre-vocational and first and third year apprentices. Developing a relationship with apprentices and pre-vocational students is viewed as an investment in the future safety of the industry. Building a positive relationship with electricians early on in their training ensures that they have access to current and relevant information. This period has again shown a growing acknowledgement of the role of the Technical Regulator within the electrical industry. This, along with the Technical Regulator’s continued close interaction with SA Police, Consumer and Business Services (CBS), National Electrical Communications Association (NECA), Master Electricians Australia, SA Power Networks, the Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS), SafeWork SA and Housing SA helps to ensure that the electrical industry complies with safety requirements. 3.1. Targeted Audits In 2014-15, the Technical Regulator continued its program of auditing electrical workers, contractors and electrical installations to ensure compliance with legislative requirements. Audits were carried out on targeted areas of the electrical industry where specific issues had been identified in relation to non- compliance with electrical standards.
The Technical Regulator currently has four classifications of electrical audits:
Incidents/Complaints. The investigation of electrical work that is allegedly non-compliant, as well as electrical incidents that have been reported.
Stage 2 (Random) audits. Audits of work performed by electrical workers/contractors. These may be selected at random from the database or targeted based on areas of concern.
Stage 3 Audits. Audits of electrical workers/contractors targeted for specific reasons (e.g. maintenance of certificates of compliance, calibration of testing equipment.)
Stage 4 Audits. Audits of in-house electrical workers, who perform electrical work directly for their employer, and do not work for an electrical contractor.
As part of the Technical Regulator’s continuing auditing program, over 128 Solar PV (photovoltaic) installations were audited across the State during 2014-15. This is in addition to those carried out under the Federal Government Solar PV inspection programs in South Australia and reflects the reduction in the number of PV installations during this period.
Figure 3-1: Example of a residential PV installation
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Figure 3-2: Audits and Investigations 2008 to 2015 The Technical Regulator has a policy of disconnecting installations, or parts of installations, that are found to have immediately dangerous electrical breaches. This approach has proved to be the most effective way of ensuring that the risks of fire and electric shock are minimised, and that the breaches are rectified by the owner/occupier of the property. An Electrical Certificate of Compliance signed by a licensed electrical contractor, and test result sheets verifying the electrical integrity of the installation, must be supplied to the Technical Regulator before the electricity supply is re-connected.
Figure 3-3: Compliance of Audited Work for 2014-15
The number of compliant installations has unfortunately reduced by 5% on the previous year. In contrast the percentage of immediately dangerous electrical breaches during 2014-15 has increased by 5% on the previous year. There is no change in the percentage of potentially dangerous breaches. Many of the dangerous defects were due to the growing number of Technical Regulator audits conducted with SA
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Police on premises at which cannabis crops were cultivated. Often the electrical work in those installations was found to have been unsafe and performed by unlicensed persons. A risk assessment of the electrical installation at each property is typically conducted prior to police entry.
The number of issues identified is of concern, and demonstrates the ongoing need for the OTR to enforce safety within the electricity trades in an efficient and effective manner.
Figure 3-4: Typical unsafe and non-compliant wiring associated with illegal cannabis crops 3.2. Major Events The Technical Regulator has again been directly involved in assisting organisers of various major events throughout South Australia to achieve compliance for temporary wiring installations. Through active involvement from the planning stage to the event, the Technical Regulator ensures that the organisers have designed and constructed temporary electrical installations in compliance with the relevant technical standard AS/NZS 3002 – Electrical Installations – Shows and Carnivals. As well as the Clipsal 500 Motor Race, there has been involvement in other large outdoor events such as the Adelaide Fringe, Womadelaide, Schutzenfest, Big Day Out and the Royal Show. Site visits were conducted to ensure that the electrical installations were compliant and created a safe environment for the public to enjoy the event. The Technical Regulator’s authorised officers were able to assist event organisers in advising concession stand holders about the minimum requirements for their electrical installations, avoiding last minute disputes and disconnections.
3.3. Major Incidents/Investigations
3.3.1. Electrical accidents There were two electrical fatalities during 2014-15. Both involved live parts of defective equipment.
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3.3.2. Electrical fires The Technical Regulator assisted the MFS with the investigation of fires at various electrical installations throughout the year. Fires were related to the non-compliant and unsafe installation of electrical equipment associated with drug crops, defective electrical equipment or non-compliant and unsafe electrical installation work
Figure 3-5: Fire damage caused by faulty DC isolators for PV system 3.4. Shock Reports In 2014-15, a total of 899 electric shock reports were made to the Technical Regulator. The following table illustrates the groups of people who received the electric shocks.
Table 3.4.1: Breakdown of electric shocks
Shock Victim 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
Electrical 27 49 52 52 54 workers 15 29 32 19 18 Other trades
Employees 269 212 205 186 164 (in workforce)
General Public 516 538 558 595 663
Total 827 828 847 852 899
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Figure 3-6: Major causes of electric shock for 2014-15 3.5. Disciplinary action In South Australia, there are currently 18,093 registered electrical workers and 4,417 licensed electrical contractors (as of 1 July 2015) to undertake work on consumers’ installations.
3.5.1. Prosecutions There were no prosecutions in the 2014-15 period, however there are cases which may result in future prosecutions pending further investigation.
3.5.2. Expiations During 2014-15, the Technical Regulator issued one expiation notice for non-compliant electrical work. This related to an electrical contractor not performing the mandatory electrical safety tests on an electrical installation.
3.5.3. Referral to the Office of Consumer and Business Services (CBS) During 2014-15, the Technical Regulator referred several cases to the CBS for enforcement action under the Plumbers Gas Fitters and Electricians Act 1995. These referrals resulted from electrical audits which identified repeated non-compliant work being carried out and/or unlicensed workers performing electrical work.
3.6. Communication and Education
3.6.1. ‘Roadshows’ and other Presentations The issues promoted to the electrical industry in South Australia at the annual NECA Roadshows included updates for the industry relating to changes to the legislation and Wiring Rules, changes to Solar PV installation standards, common defects relating to Solar PV installations and reports on accidents and fatalities. SA Power Networks also gave presentations on changes to its Service and Installation Rules. The Roadshows offered to electrical contractors and workers, were held at Maitland, Port Pirie, Adelaide, Noarlunga, Nuriootpa, Elizabeth, Mt Barker, Murray Bridge, Naracoorte, Mt Gambier, Berri, Port Lincoln and Port Augusta.
Additional presentations were also given in conjunction with Master Electricians Australia in Adelaide, Berri, Mt Gambier, Wallaroo, Pt Augusta, Pt Lincoln and Murray Bridge. Technical Regulator presentations were also conducted at Kangaroo Island, Coober Pedy, Roxby Downs and Leigh Creek.
The Technical Regulator also regularly provides safety and technical presentations upon request, to industry and other government departments. Electrical contractors utilise these presentations as a part of
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their in-house training programs to assist with the on-going education of their employees. These presentations are valued by the Technical Regulator as an opportunity to build relationships with workers and contractors and respond to enquiries arising from their workplaces.
Presentations are also given to first and third year apprentices at TAFE and other RTO facilities in metropolitan and country areas.
Table 3.6.1: Presentations Audience Group Focus of Topics Number of Presentations
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
First year Electrical safety, testing and certificates apprentices and Pre- of compliance 31 10 19 voc
Third year Electrical safety, testing, legislative 28 24 17 apprentices compliance and electrical fatalities
NECA/MEA/OTR Changes to industry Road Shows practices/procedures, Wiring Rule 23 18 27 updates, safety updates
Electrical Electrical safety, testing, legislative Contracting compliance and certificates of 9 7 4 Companies compliance
Electrical Electrical Safety and compliance displays Wholesaler Trade 5 0 1 Functions
Other groups or Electrical safety, testing and certificates Government of compliance 14 15 8 Departments
110 74 76 Total Number of Presentations
3.6.2. Displays and Trade Functions The Technical Regulator has retained a prominent profile throughout the electrical industry, with a continued demand for a presence at industry functions such as wholesaler trade nights and industry breakfasts. At these events the auditors are present to discuss electrical safety and compliance issues with the electrical contractors. The Technical Regulator auditors have also been present at the Master Builders Association, Sunday Mail home building expos and the Caravan and Camping Show. Such events create an ideal opportunity to further promote electrical safety and answer queries from the general public in a relaxed and friendly environment.
3.6.3. Regulation Roundup Editions 34 and 35 of Regulation Roundup were published in 2014-15 and were posted to electrical workers and contractors registered in South Australia. The publication is also made available to consultants, designers and other interested parties in both hard copy and electronic form. The two editions provided technical information relating to specific sections of the Wiring Rules and other electrical standards, information on Solar PV installations, safe working practices and also promoted attendance at the Roadshows.
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After each mail out, the response from industry members who contact the Technical Regulator to discuss items addressed in the particular edition demonstrates that Regulation Roundup has become a valued source of information to the electrical industry.
3.6.4. Technical Standards Committees The Technical Regulator is represented on several Australian Standards Committees which set the minimum safety requirements for electrical installations ranging from construction and demolition sites to caravans and recreational boats and solar installations. The committees which were responsible for the revision and publication of various standards during 2014-15 are outlined in Appendix 3.4.
3.7. Electrical Installation Work Indicators Table 3.7.1: OTR Installation work indicators Indicator 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Electrical fatalities Public 0 1 0 0 Industries 1 1 1 2 Educational and information presentations 106 110 72 76 Random audits of contractors and workers 514 468 588 533 Audits/investigations arising from complaints 702 566 463 449 Expiation notices issued 21 24 10 1 Prosecutions launched 0 0 0 0 Prosecutions completed 0 0 0 0 Shock reports and minor incidents 883 891 896 914 Shocks due to voltage/current displacement 329 369 426 512 Major incidents 3 4 5 8 Phone calls processed 19,354 19,764 20,400 20,700
Table 3.7.2: Installations connected or reconnected to the SA Power Networks distribution system SA Power Networks Installation 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Connections
Total connections 78,402 49,059 43,073 29,723 Domestic 9,732 7,917 9,316 10,436 New supply connections Non-domestic 1,644 1,397 1,370 1,634 Reconnections to SA Power Networks after alterations to supply
Other Domestic 4,631 4,226 3,926 3,422 Import/Export Domestic 57,911 31,321 23,491 9,582 Other Non-domestic 969 976 1,007 1,007 Import/Export Non-domestic 756 388 644 453
The Technical Regulator conducts random audits of SA Power Networks’ new connections and also responds to requests for advice on sites where supply has not been connected due to unsafe/non- compliant work by electrical contractors or workers. The significant reduction in the number of import/export installations is indicative of the reduction in the number of solar PV installations.
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Section 4: Electrical Products The Energy Products (Safety & Efficiency) Act 2000 is administered by the Technical Regulator. The Act requires that proclaimed classes of electrical products must comply with specified safety and performance Standards and be labelled to show compliance before sale (see Appendix 5.1). Consumers Electrical Installation Other Australasian jurisdictions have similar legislation. The Technical Regulator works with other Australasian Regulators and Standards Committees to ensure a nationally consistent electrical product safety regulatory regime.
Toasters & Kettles Refrigerators
Consumer Clothes Drier Consumers Socket Switchboard wiring to mains outlets Washing Machine socket outlets TV & Video Power boards
Typical Household Electrical Products
Figure 4-1: Boundary of installations from products An electrical product is any device that needs to be connected to the household electricity supply. This includes such items as white goods, power tools, portable household products, power boards, air conditioners and hot water services. Electrical products are manufactured locally or interstate or imported from overseas. It is estimated that the typical household has up to 50 electrical products.
The Technical Regulator investigates reports of breaches of the Energy Products (Safety & Efficiency) Act 2000. This can result in the issue of stop sale notices, public warning statements, product recalls, expiation notices or prosecution.
4.1. Role of the Technical Regulator The Technical Regulator, in accordance with the Energy Products (Safety & Efficiency) Act 2000 grants electrical products safety labelling certificates and electrical product suitability certificates to applicants. The certificates are required to label electrical products to indicate their compliance with applicable standards or certify their suitability to connect to an electricity transmission or distribution network before sale. The Technical Regulator also follows up these products after sale, through field audits and product investigations, based on reported failures.
The Technical Regulator is represented on national regulatory and standards committees, the aim of which is to ensure that regulators act in a coordinated manner throughout Australia and that the safety standards impose a common, acceptable level of safety. These committees are listed in Appendix 3.4.
The Technical Regulator also provides technical advice to manufacturers and importers, the electrical industry, government agencies and emergency services.
The Technical Regulator also has power under the Energy Products (Safety and Efficiency) Act 2000 to prohibit the sale or use of unsafe energy products (including recall or repair) and issue public warning statements about unsafe energy products.
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4.2. Product Safety
4.2.1. Product Approval There are 56 classes of products proclaimed under the Energy Products (Safety & Efficiency) Act 2000, which must comply with specified safety and performance standards. This list has evolved over time, and typically includes the household products that, in the past, have been involved in numerous fire and/or electric shock incidents and therefore represent a ‘high risk’ category. These products, which are covered by similar legislation in all Australian States, require pre-market approval and must carry an approval label to indicate their compliance with safety and performance Standards before they can be sold. Appendix 5.1 lists these proclaimed products.
4.2.2. Product Approval Safety Process In South Australia, the current approvals process requires manufacturers or importers to submit samples of proclaimed products for testing at accredited laboratories to ensure their compliance with the applicable Australian/New Zealand safety and technical standards. These standards set down the basic requirements that the products must meet to be considered electrically safe. Typically, these requirements include levels of protection to guard against such things as unsafe construction, access to live parts, overheating from normal or abnormal operation and fire propagation.
Testing must be carried out in accordance with the relevant standards by appropriate test laboratory facilities in Australia or overseas. In Australia, this means a testing facility that has National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation. Evidence of compliance can then be submitted to the Technical Regulator or a private certifier, who will verify compliance and then issue a certificate. This certificate is generally valid for five years. When offered for sale, the product must carry the allocated approval marking. If issued by a State regulator or private certifier, the marking contains a letter identifying the State or certifier who approved it, followed by its allocated number (e.g. Victoria – V/xxxxx, South Australia – S/xxx), private certifier marking (alpha numeral), or if AS/NZS 4417 (marking of electrical products to indicate compliance with regulations) is complied with, the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) symbol as defined in that Standard as shown in Fig 4.2.
Figure 4-2: Regulatory Compliance Mark
Figure 4-3: Example of approval labelling for an OTR (S marking) approved product – wall switch
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Figure 4-4: Example of the RCM approval labelling symbol for an approved product – LED driver
Figure 4-5: Example of approval labelling for a private certifier approved product – power supply
Each State in Australia recognises approvals issued by the other State authorities and product certifiers. There are also alternative private certifying bodies which have been recognised interstate, resulting in approval labelling other than that issued by a State regulator, with a consequent reduction in the number of products being approved by State authorities. The nature of the retail products industry is such that competitors quickly identify any unapproved items on sale and report them to the Technical Regulator, who is able to take immediate action for breaches of the Energy Products (Safety & Efficiency) Act 2000.
Figure 4.10 at the end of this section provides detailed statistics on the number of products submitted to the Technical Regulator for approval since 2008-09.
4.2.3. Risks due to faulty or misused Products The risks associated with electrical products that have failed because of their design, or manufacture, or misuse by the consumer include:
personal injury (shocks) electrocution (fatalities) property damage (fires)
Manufacturers, importers and retailers also assume liability through the sale of electrical products for:
costs of recalls, replacement or repair of products costs of compensation claims loss of, or damage to, the organisation’s reputation
Hazardous Products
Typical hazards found in faulty electrical products include:
a breakdown of insulation due to overheating or mechanical damage, which may expose the consumer to the risk of electrical shock overheating of the product, which may result in fire or ignition of its surroundings, exposing consumers to the risk of injury or property damage mechanical failure, which may cause personal injury to the user
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Figure 4-6: Example of an electrical product failure. This photo illustrates the consequences of a faulty DC isolator that overheated in a residential solar installation
Figure 4-7: Example of an electrical product failure. This photo illustrates the consequences of a glass kettle shattering whilst in use, resulting in the user receiving burns
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Consumer Misuse
Products may also fail because of misuse by the consumer. Typical examples of this are:
incorrect securing of electric blankets resulting in folds that lead to overheating and fire unsafe placement of radiators and fan heaters adjacent to furniture and materials, resulting in fires continued use of electrical products with damaged bodies and cords, resulting in electrical shocks not having products checked after being subjected to an impact or falling from a height
Figure 4-8: An example of a brand new room heater that burst into flames when initially used, as a result of the user not observing a warning label and removing the polystyrene packaging around the heating elements In many cases, products are either incorrectly installed or operated by consumers who do not follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions. A typical example of inappropriate usage is illustrated in Figure 4-8 above. A consumer started a fire with a room heater as a result of not adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The Technical Regulator alerts consumers and electricians to such risks through public warnings, the continuous development of information brochures, Regulation Roundup and education programs.
4.2.4. Product Failures and Corrective Actions The Technical Regulator monitors failures of electrical products. If necessary, action can be taken under the Energy Products (Safety & Efficiency) Act 2000 to remove any hazardous products from the market place. Depending on the severity of the failure, there are a number of options available to the Technical Regulator when assessing what action should be taken for specific situations including:
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Issuing an Incident Report – when the failure of a product has not directly resulted in a safety hazard. The report is circulated to all regulatory authorities throughout Australia and New Zealand for information and monitoring. Issuing a Hazard Alert – when the failure of a product has resulted in an immediate safety problem such as a reported electric shock. The notice is immediately circulated to all regulatory authorities including both State and Federal consumer affairs authorities for information, and followed up by action with the trader as considered necessary. Issuing a Stop Sale – generally issued in conjunction with a Hazard Alert. The notice is circulated to all regulatory authorities including both State and Federal consumer affairs authorities for information and is followed up by action with the trader. Issuing a Recall – when a product already on the market has been identified as a safety hazard. This may warrant the issue of a recall notice and result in a national public product recall conducted in accordance with ACCC guidelines.
4.2.5. Recall Notices In 2014-15, 75 unsafe electrical products were recalled throughout Australia mainly as a result of electric shock and fire hazards. Various consumer products such as power boards, travel adaptors, double adaptors, power supplies and inflatable spa pools were recalled. A range of electrical products commonly used in the electrical contracting industry were also recalled, including electrical building cable and DC isolator switches.
The Technical Regulator facilitated numerous product recalls in 2014-15, which were the result of investigations of consumer or industry complaints. One such investigation by the Technical Regulator, originated from a complaint where two children had received an electrical shock from a power supply. An onsite audit was conducted at the premises where the alleged incident had occurred; this involved interviewing persons onsite, taking photographic evidence of equipment involved and identifying the supplier of the equipment. The product in this case was found to have been constructed in an unsafe manner, and did not bear the required Australian approval mark. The Technical Regulator then proceeded to contact the interstate supplier of the product and issue a prohibition of sale or use order. It was found during the investigation and dealings with the supplier that the product had been sold nationally to various consumers over a number of years, and that persons were still at risk from using the unsafe product. The Technical Regulator subsequently also issued a product recall order to the supplier, requiring them to conduct the product recall in accordance with ACCC guidelines.
A full list of electrical products recalled in Australia is available at www.recalls.gov.au.
4.2.6. Stop Sales The Technical Regulator can issue stop sale notices to traders in South Australia as the situation warrants.
An example of a situation requiring the seller to “Stop Sale” is when the product is proclaimed under the Energy Products (Safety & Efficiency) Act 2000, but is not marked with any approval labelling indicating that it is formally approved for electrical safety.
4.2.7. Mutual Recognition Under a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) between two or more jurisdictions, one jurisdiction is able to recognise a product approval by another.
Apart from the ‘corresponding laws’ recognised under the Energy Products (Safety & Efficiency) Act 2000, several mutual recognition schemes affect the Technical Regulator’s operations and those of other State Regulators.
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Australian Mutual Recognition
The Mutual Recognition (SA) Act 1993 and the Mutual Recognition Act 1992 (Commonwealth) provide that, in principle, a product made in or imported into a State that can be lawfully sold in that State, may be lawfully sold in any other State. A label is required showing the place of manufacture or importation to enable a defence of mutual recognition to be established.
Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement (TTMRA)
The Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition (SA) Act 1999 and the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997 (Commonwealth) provide that, in principle, products made in or imported into New Zealand that may be lawfully sold in New Zealand, may also be lawfully sold in Australia. A label on the product is required showing the place of manufacture or importation to enable a defence of mutual recognition to be established.
The TTMRA has resulted in some products either manufactured in or imported into New Zealand being offered for sale in Australia without any identifiable approval marking as New Zealand law does not require such labelling.
European Economic Union MRA (EUMRA)
There is a mutual recognition agreement between Australia and the European Economic Union stating that a product that has been tested in a recognised laboratory with mutual accreditation in one jurisdiction will be accepted as having been tested in a recognised laboratory with mutual accreditation in the other jurisdiction. Singapore MRA
The Singapore MRA, signed in 2001, is based on conformity assessment by relevant government bodies in the two countries. Essentially, the importing country accepts the assessment of product conformity to its requirements undertaken by conformity assessment bodies in the exporting country. 4.3. Product Energy Efficiency Energy Labelling and Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) registrations are now regulated by the Australian Government’s Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards Act 2012 (GEMS legislation). The energy efficiency requirements of the Energy Products (Safety & Efficiency) Act 2000 are still applicable but in general terms have become redundant.
4.3.1. 4.4. Performance Indicators
4.4.1. Product Enquiries In 2014-15, the Technical Regulator received enquiries about products from a total of 907 people; 37 visited in person and 870 made contact by telephone, fax, or email. Electrical product safety accounted for the majority of these enquiries.
It is noted that with the introduction of private certifiers, enquiries relating to safety approval of electrical products initially decreased, but has stabilised since 2008-09. Since the introduction of the GEMS legislation, there has been a significant fall in the number of enquiries relating to product energy efficiency.
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1500 Enquiries
1000
Phone Enq
500 Person Enq
0 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15
Figure 4-9: Product Enquiries since 2009-10
4.4.2. Approval Figures for 2014-15 In this reporting period, a total of 116 products were submitted to the Technical Regulator for safety and performance approval. Energy Labelling and MEPS registrations are now regulated by the Australian Government’s GEMS legislation. The Technical Regulator has continued to provide South Australian industry with an efficient and timely service, supporting its endeavours in both local and overseas markets.
Approvals Processed
350 300
250 Cert Approval 200 Cert Suitability 150 Energy Labels 100 MEPS 50 0 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15
Figure 4-10: Products submitted for approval/registration since 2008-09
4.4.3. Actions on Products for 2014-15 An investigation is required when a product safety concern is reported. Twenty nine investigations into the safety of products were carried out during this financial year.
During the year, the Technical Regulator recorded 137 incident reports, 10 hazard alerts, and acted on 75 recall notices. A recall notice that appeared in the local press this year is shown below as Figure 4-11.
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Figure 4-11: Example of an Electrical Safety Recall Notice issued by a distributor
Figure 4-12 below illustrates how over the last seven years a significant number of reports of failures of electrical products have been recorded. As a consequence, there has been a continuing rise in the number of electrical product recalls throughout Australia. During this reporting period there has been a significant increase in the number of electrical products that have required recall action. Regulators remain concerned about the lack of suitable quality control procedures by some overseas manufacturers together with the probability of misuse by consumers.
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Product Failures
160 140
120 Recalls 100 Stop Sales 80 Hazard Alerts 60 Incidents 40 Investigations 20 0 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15
Figure 4-12: Recorded actions on products since 2008-09 The Technical Regulator continues to distribute brochures and media releases aimed to promote the safe use of electrical products and to monitor quality control through check testing programs.
4.4.4. Industry Communication There are about 140 South Australian businesses (including manufacturers, importers and retailers) that submit electrical products to the Technical Regulator for approval. The Technical Regulator distributes newsletters and circulars to these businesses to keep them informed of changes to the Energy Products (Safety & Efficiency) Act 2000 and Australian Standards as necessary.
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Section 5: Consumer Safety Awareness 5.1. Consumer Education Keeping consumers well informed about electrical safety ensures that electricity is afforded appropriate respect, thereby minimising the occurrence of electrocution and property damage.
5.1.1. Increasing Consumer Awareness The Technical Regulator maintains and continually updates electrical safety literature, which is made available to the public. This information is also readily accessible through the Technical Regulator’s website located in the energy section of www.sa.gov.au/otr. These brochures have been distributed directly to all South Australian councils, as well as via SA Power Networks and by direct mail to people seeking advice by telephone. The Technical Regulator aims to reach a wider audience through communications with councils, builders and developers. In 2014-15, more than 2,500 printed brochures were given out to electrical entities, local councils and members of the general public.
The following brochures are available from the Technical Regulator website or in print:
Building Safely near Powerlines Working Safely near Overhead Powerlines Working Safely near Underground Assets Trees and Powerlines
The Technical Regulator also provides presentations that address the requirements for building structures and working safely near powerlines. Six presentations were given to building industry companies and local councils during 2014-15. Engineers from the OTR frequently go for site visits and discuss the technical and legal requirements with all relevant parties in order to achieve safety and regulatory compliance.
5.1.2. Continuous Safety Promotion The Technical Regulator’s ongoing promotion of electricity safety continued in 2014-15, through the “Be Energy Safe” campaign. The promotion comprised advertisements in print and other media. The promotion was designed to run in support of specific campaigns, warnings and recalls issued by the Technical Regulator. The objectives of the continuous safety promotion are:
to raise the public’s awareness of electrical safety issues to influence the general public to take positive action in relation to electrical safety to promote knowledge of the Technical Regulator as a service provider on electrical safety matters
5.1.3. Technical Regulator Website Online content for the OTR has two main addresses: www.sa.gov.au/otr for technical information and www.sa.gov.au/energysafe for consumer safety information. The OTR web content is regularly updated as technical regulation and safety issues change or occur.
In 2014-15, there were 115,789 visitors to the OTR web content, of which 65% were new visitors. The number of pageviews reached 291,984. On average, users of OTR content looked at two pages per visit and spent just under two minutes engaging with the content. 84% of visitors were from Australia and, of those, 51% of visitors were from South Australia.
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Figure 5-1: Google statistics for the OTR website Table 5.1.1: Legend
Name Definition Sessions Total number of visits to your site Unique Visitors Total number of first time visitors to your site Pageviews Total number of pages viewed on your site Pages / Session Average number of pages viewed per visit Avg. Session Duration Average visit length of all visitors Bounce Rate Percent of single-page visits % New Sessions Percent of total visitors who visited your site for the first time
The top five OTR – Electricity pages visited for 2014-15 were:
Electricity and gas safety for consumers Electrical, gas, plumbing and technical regulation Building safely near powerlines Electrical acts, regulations and standards Identifying powerlines.
The ongoing Be Energy Safe campaign promotes safe and responsible use of electrical and gas equipment. The key electrical safety communication objectives include:
When to test a safety switch How to check if an electrician is licensed Remembering to get a certificate of compliance for electrical work Being safe around power lines.
The Be Energy Safe Campaign continued through the financial year 2014-15. Paid advertising on Google and Facebook as part of the Be Energy Safe campaign is summarised below:
Table 5.1.2: Be Energy Safe campaign statistics
Publisher Summary Impressions Clicks CTR GDN 11,713,937 29,774 0.25% Search 85,379 1,238 1.45% Facebook 15,991,120 15,881 0.10%
End of campaign figures have come in at 27.8m impressions served with 46.9k clicks and an overall Click Through Rate (CTR) of 0.17%. CTR is the number of users that click on a specific link out of the total users
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that view a page, email, or advertisement. The overall CTR of 0.25% for Google Display Network (GDN) is considered to be a good result for text advertisements.
With Facebook, a total of 316,000 people were reached which is also an encouraging result. It was observed that more people were engaging with the advertisements through the year as a result of internal improvements on how advertisements were run and automatically optimised.
A suite of Facebook advertisements was developed to promote the safety messages throughout the online, with some examples shown in figure 5-2 below:
Figure 5-2: Web advertisements promoting key safety messages
5.2. Electrical Safety Survey Since 1999, an annual consumer safety survey on household electrical safety issues has been conducted by the Technical Regulator. The aim of the survey is to determine South Australian consumers’ knowledge of electrical safety and the effectiveness of the Technical Regulator’s electrical education campaigns and legislative functions. The results of the survey assist in identifying areas in which the Technical Regulator’s resources can be most effectively focussed. For 2014-15, Harrison Research was commissioned to conduct the consumer energy safety survey for the Technical Regulator.
5.2.1. Objectives The general objectives of the survey were:
to identify any electrical safety issues or problems that the general public may have experienced to discover the level of the public knowledge on key safety topics to determine the level of public awareness of the Technical Regulator’s advertising campaigns to discover if the regulatory regimes are working as intended
5.2.2. Sample A random sample of 400 households was interviewed by a Computer Assisted Telephone Interview (CATI) process. This comprised of 300 households in metropolitan Adelaide and 100 households in regional South Australia. Given the length of the survey in previous years, the survey script was reviewed and shortened significantly in exchange for conducting more interviews than in the previous year.
5.2.3. Key Outcomes Awareness of the Office of the Technical Regulator stood at 19%. When asked who is responsible for the maintenance of on-site service installation or any appliances within the property connected to the service, 59% of the respondents said the owner, 30% said the network operator and 20% said the company sending the bill. Among those who indicated they had electrical work done in their property within the last 2 years (32%), virtually all (99%) were aware that the person undertaking the job should be licenced and qualified, 97% of those responders said that the person who did the job was licenced.
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Three quarters (74%) of respondents were aware that an electrician is legally obliged to provide them with a Certificate of Compliance when electrical work is done. More than 7 out of 10 respondents (76%) said they received Certificate of Compliance when they had a job done. Respondents who have solar system installed within their household had a higher awareness that an electrician is legally obliged to provide them with a Certificate of Compliance (83%). Only 5% of the respondents purchased an electrical appliance online in the last two years. Most of these respondents (67%) said the electrical appliances were marked as safety certified. Respondents were asked whether they had experienced a situation in relation to electricity in the last two years that was or could have been a risk to their safety and 8% people responded positive. All participants were asked to whom they would report an unsafe situation regarding electricity including fallen powerlines on the street, damaged or uninsulated wires in a house, having received an electric shock and other such situations. The most common response was SA Power Networks followed by electricity billing companies, electricians and triple zero (000). 14% of the respondents could recall seeing or hearing of promotions related to electricity, gas or plumbing safety within the past 12 months, which was considered as an encouraging result for the advertising campaign. The key electrical safety messages recalled were: o Dial before you dig (15%) o Safety around powerlines (13%) o Safety switches (10%) o Look up and Live (8%). 15% of the respondents who recalled the safety promotions said it encouraged them to seek further information and changed their attitude, knowledge and understanding of energy safety. Collectively 89% of the respondents said that their home does have a safety switch. More than one third (37%) of these respondents said that they had never tested a safety switch. Only 12% of the respondents said they test their safety switch annually. A large number of the respondents (55%) do not have halogen downlights in their home. This is mainly due to the LED technology which is replacing the halogen downlights. However 25% of respondents who had halogen downlights in their home were aware of the risks associated with them. Most of the respondents (70%) who had solar panel system installed at their dwelling said they did not get their solar system serviced as these were either newly installed solar systems or working perfectly. Only 23% serviced their system at some frequency. The majority of the respondents (81%) never experienced any faults with their solar system.
The survey findings were generally positive and indicated a high level of awareness of electrical safety. This survey continues to help the Technical Regulator to reinforce the advertising campaigns, or amend the website and any other useful tools to inform the public about the key safety information in regard to electricity safety. The advertising campaigns will continue mainly focusing on: o Testing Safety Switches o Using licensed electricians o Reporting of electric shocks o Receiving a Certificate of Compliance o Building and working safely around powerlines o Buying certified electrical appliances from online.
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Section 6: Regulatory Coordination The Technical Regulator is responsible for the administration of the safety and technical provisions of the Electricity Act 1996 (the Act) and Regulations. The Electricity Act 1996 also establishes the functions of the Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA) with respect to the electricity industry.
6.1. Electrical Technical Advisory Committee (ETAC) In accordance with Section 14B of the Act, the Technical Regulator has established the Electrical Technical Advisory Committee (ETAC). The Committee includes representatives from the electricity entities, contractor and employee associations and local government. The committee members for the year were:
Rob Faunt Technical Regulator (Chair)
James Corbett Office of the Technical Regulator
Peter Morris Office of the Technical Regulator
Grant Cox SA Power Networks
Bill Jackson ElectraNet SA
Tri Tran AGL Torrens Island
Larry Moore National Electrical and Communications Association
Bob Donnelly Communications Electrical Plumbing Union
Sam Cottell Consumer and Business Services
Shane O’Loughlin Australian Services Union
Jennifer Gater Electrical Energy Society of Australia
The role of this Committee is to provide advice to the Technical Regulator, either on its own initiative or at the request of the Technical Regulator, on any matters relating to the functions of the Technical Regulator. The Technical Regulator keeps the committee abreast of the activities and the strategic direction of the Technical Regulator to assist the committee with its deliberations.
6.2. Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council (ERAC) National uniformity and consistency is extremely important to electricity utility operators, manufacturers, electrical workers, contractors and consumers. ERAC has representatives from all Australian States and Territories and New Zealand. It formally meets twice per year to address regulatory matters related to key technical and worker licensing issues facing the electrical industry and to develop national strategies to address these issues in a consistent manner.
Meetings are divided into five sessions, each with their own chairperson, covering general matters, electrical installations and inspection, electrical equipment safety, electrical licensing and electricity supply (network infrastructure).
The South Australian Technical Regulator is presently chairing the electrical installations and inspection session. There has been a focus placed on the regulation of new technologies such as solar panel installations.
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ERAC works closely with Standards Australia with a view to maintaining and developing national standards which in turn become State-based requirements when they are called up by legislation. The Technical Regulator, as a member of ERAC, actively participates in standards development issues arising from ERAC meetings. The Technical Regulator also participates in a number of ERAC working groups to ensure that national developments take account of South Australian issues.
Uniform standards are beneficial in that they provide for movement of workers between regions and enable the development of standards based on the experience of a wider group. The national standards development process also supports the ongoing review and improvement of safety standards in a transparent manner. ERAC has been active in setting the agenda for the progressive review and implementation of network safety Standards.
ERAC has been particularly keen to support the timely development of standards which deal with matters that have a direct impact on the interface between the network industry and the general public, such as powerline clearances.
Following its review of the regime for regulating electrical equipment safety in Australia, ERAC has recommended an updated system aimed at eliminating shock, injury and property damage resulting from the sale, supply and use of unsafe electrical equipment. ERAC has proposed that the new system should be underpinned by nationally consistent performance-based legislation in each jurisdiction and comprehensive scheme rules. It contains a mixture of pre-market registration based on third party safety assessment and post-market enforcement.
The system will be designed to take into account the changing character of the electrical appliance supply industry in Australia. The recommendations formed the basis of the Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS), released for public comment by ERAC in December 2008. Following consideration of public submissions on the RIS and further industry consultation, the final RIS which was developed, was endorsed by ERAC members at a meeting in May 2009. In order that a national scheme is agreed and implemented, ERAC is in the process of developing an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between all States and Territories to gain Ministerial agreement to progress the scheme.
In June 2008, the Ministerial Council on Energy (MCE) established the Energy Technical and Safety Leaders Group (Leaders Group). The Leaders Group was tasked with the development of a plan to achieve further harmonisation of State and Territory safety regulation for the electricity and gas supply industry.
The Leaders Group presented the plan to the MCE in December 2009. The plan contains recommendations for achieving a harmonised national framework within which State and Territory energy supply industry safety and technical regulations could operate.
The plan proposes IGA as the central mechanism by which jurisdictions would commit to a series of overarching principles and objectives supporting harmonisation.
At its 4 December 2009 meeting, the MCE gave in principle agreement to the recommendations contained in the plan as they apply to MCE Ministers’ portfolio responsibilities. MCE Ministers also agreed to work with related portfolio Ministers within their jurisdiction to progress the proposed IGA.
The objective of the IGA is to create a nationally harmonised energy supply industry safety framework, to ensure enhanced public and industry safety, enhance worker mobility and contribute to the efficient delivery of energy network services. In particular, the IGA will formalise governments’ commitment to make necessary legislative or other changes to support the nationally harmonised safety framework for the energy supply industry. The IGA does not commit to the development of model or applied legislation.
As part of the harmonised safety framework, the IGA commits participating jurisdictions to an ongoing work program in standards development (such as the Australian Standard for Energy Network Safety Systems), operating safety rules and skills and training. This work would be supported by the Energy Supply Industry
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Safety Committee (ESISC), a non-statutory advisory body that provides advice, knowledge and expertise to the MCE and its Senior Committee of Officials (SCO) on the development and implementation of the nationally harmonised safety framework.
On 4 January 2012, the Commonwealth, States and Territories endorsed the IGA on Energy Supply Industry Safety by signature of First Ministers. Under the IGA, Commonwealth, State and Territory governments agree to put in place a nationally harmonised safety framework for the energy supply industry.
The Terms of Reference (TOR) for the ESISC came into effect with the signing of the IGA. The TOR tasked ESISC to develop and implement a nationally harmonised safety framework for the energy supply industry.
The TOR requires that ESISC submit to the MCE’s Senior Committee of Officials (SCO) for approval the ESISC implementation plan for five years. This plan requires a progress update every 12 months on:
Energy Network Safety Systems; Consistency with National Occupational Health and Safety; Consistency with National Occupational Licensing System initiatives; Legislative and regulatory issues; Expanded National Refresher Training Recognition Protocol for the Electricity Supply Industry; Generation harmonisation, and Harmonised Operating Safety Rules.
A key outcome of this work was the development and publication on 18 April 2013 of the Australian Standard AS 5577:2013 Electricity Networks Safety Management Systems.
The new standard provides a national framework for the harmonisation of energy network safety systems. It is anticipated that the new standard will be called up in legislation during 2015-16.
6.3. Energy Industry Ombudsman There is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in place between the Technical Regulator and the Energy Industry Ombudsman (EIO). The MOU defines how the two bodies will interact to deal with customer complaints. The MOU was updated during 2013-14 to reflect the inclusion of the water role of the Technical Regulator and the EIO.
The EIO sought the Technical Regulator’s advice on some occasions during 2014-15. In all cases advice was sought on customer complaints received by the EIO that had resulted from the customer not being satisfied with the responses from the electricity entities. The technical input provided by the Technical Regulator has assisted the EIO in assessing a range of complex issues.
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Appendix 1: Operating Statement
Operating Statement for the year ending 30 June 2015
In the 2014-15 financial year, pursuant to Section 20 of the Electricity Act 1996, licence revenue received for electricity amounted to $2.950 million which includes funding for the National Electricity Emergency Management function. This was used to recoup the recurrent costs of the Office of the Technical Regulator. Total recurrent costs for the year amounted to $2.599 million. After allowing for other income there was an operating net surplus of $0.374 million.
Operating Revenues $
Licence Fees 2,950,000 Expiation Fees 0 Appliance Approval Fees 9,280 Other Revenue 13,322 TOTAL OPERATING REVENUES 2,972,602
Operating Expenses
Salaries and Wages 1,869,295 Goods and Services 729,790 TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 2,599,085
NET SURPLUS FOR THE PERIOD 373,517
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Staffing Numbers
The number of full-time equivalent (FTE) energy regulatory staff for South Australia is shown in the table below. These numbers have been split into the four sections of the Electrical branch of the OTR.
Table A1.1: FTEs in the Electrical Section of the Technical Regulator’s Office FTEs in FTEs in FTEs in FTEs in Emergency Electrical Electrical Products Total FTEs Infrastructure Installations Approval Management
4 13 1 1 19
Resource Efficiency
The ratios of consumers to the office operating cost are shown in the figure below. The OTR has operated efficiently whilst ensuring public safety and keeping costs to a minimum. As can be observed from the following graph, the energy regulatory costs are being maintained at a low level, indicating an efficient use of resources.
Office of the Technical Regulator - Resource Efficiency 1.8
1.7
1.6
1.5 ($/population) 1.4
1.3 Operating expenses Operatingexpenses per SA population 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 Year
Figure A1.1: OTR operating expense per consumer
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Appendix 2: Personal Injury
The Technical Regulator is responsible for the investigation of all electric shocks and burns the reports about them under the Electricity (General) Regulations 2012. This enables the Technical Regulator to maintain records so that trends can be identified and remedial action taken. All electrical fatalities are investigated by the Technical Regulator, as are incidents on the electricity transmission and distribution network. The Technical Regulator prepares reports for the Coroner on all electrical fatalities.
Table A2.1: Comparison of Electrical Fatalities in Australia and New Zealand
Population 07-08 08-09 09-10 10-11 11-12 12-13 13-14 14-15 ’000s SA 1,691.5 0 1 2 1 1 2 1 2
NSW 7,565.5 0 2 5 2 5 3 5 2 NT 244.3 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 1 QLD 4,750.5 5 3 5 7 4 3 1 3 TAS 515.2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 VIC 5,886.4 2 1 9 4 1 1 2 1 ACT 387.6 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 WA 2,581.3 1 4 2 4 0 2 1 2 AUS 23,625,61 8 9 25 20 12 11 11 11 NZ 4,578.92 5 6 3 3 3 1 1 1
Note 1: Estimated Resident Population at 31 December 2014, Australian Bureau of Statistics Note 2: Estimated Resident Population at 31 March 2015, Statistics New Zealand
In 2014-15, unfortunately two electrocutions occurred in South Australia. Both involved contact with live parts of defective equipment, where a retired fitter and turner made contact with disconnected cable of a homemade work light and another retired electrician made contact with test lead while repairing electric motors at home.
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Appendix 3: Legislative Framework
The Technical Regulator (Electricity) operates within the following legislative framework:
Electricity Act 1996 Electricity (General) Regulations 2012 Electricity (Principles of Vegetation Clearance) Regulations 2010 Energy Products (Safety and Efficiency) Act 2000 Energy Products (Safety and Efficiency) Regulations 2012
A3.1. Objectives of the Electricity Act 1996 The Electricity Act 1996 and associated Regulations were developed to provide the legislative framework to ensure that South Australian consumers continue to have access to a safe, reliable and high quality electricity supply and safe electrical installations in the competitive national electricity market. Section 3 of the Electricity Act 1996 provides: “The objects of the Electricity Act 1996 are – (a) to promote efficiency and competition in the electricity supply industry; and (b) to promote the establishment and maintenance of a safe and efficient system of electricity generation, transmission, distribution and supply; and (c) to establish and enforce proper standards of safety, reliability and quality in the electricity supply industry; and (d) to establish and enforce proper safety and technical Standards for electrical installations; and (e) to protect the interest of consumers of electricity.”
A3.2. Functions of the Technical Regulator The Technical Regulator’s functions are outlined in the Electricity Act 1996.
Section 8 of the Act states that:
“The Technical Regulator has the following functions:
(a) the monitoring and regulation of safety and technical standards in the electricity supply industry; and (b) the monitoring and regulation of safety and technical standards with respect to electrical installations; and (c) the administration of the provisions of this Act relating to the clearance of vegetation from powerlines; and (ca) the monitoring and investigation of major interruptions to the electricity supply in the State and the provision of reports relating to such interruptions in accordance with any requirements prescribed by the regulations; and (d) any other functions prescribed by regulation or assigned to the Technical Regulator by or under
this or any other Act.”
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A3.3. Energy Products (Safety & Efficiency) Act 2000
Energy Products (Safety & Efficiency) Act 2000
The Energy Products (Safety & Efficiency) Act 2000 outlines the requirements relating to the safety, performance, energy efficiency and labelling of electrical products (including electrical appliances, wires, cables, insulators, fittings and electrical measuring instruments).
The Technical Regulator appointed under the Electricity Act 1996 administers the Energy Products (Safety & Efficiency) Act 2000. The Technical Regulator’s responsibilities include:
authorisation to label proclaimed products to certify their compliance with safety and performance Standards (approvals) authorisation to label proclaimed products so as to indicate their energy efficiency (energy efficiency labelling) the testing or certifying of products and the prohibition of the sale or use of, and public warning statements about, products that are unsafe or likely to become unsafe in use required traders to take specified action to recall unsafe product from use within the marketplace
The Electrical Products Act 2000 was amended and renamed as the Energy Products (Safety & Efficiency) Act 2000. The amendments, together with the regulations and the proclamation came into effect on 10 May 2012.
A3.4. Standards, Codes and Guidelines The Electricity Act 1996 and the Energy Products (Safety and Efficiency) Act 2000 enable regulations to call up standards. Standards that apply to particular products are detailed in the Energy Products (Safety and Efficiency) Proclamation 2012. When called up by legislation, these standards become part of the legal framework.
Published Standards are the backbone of the industry. They outline the required safety and technical requirements and provide for processes by which they can be improved. Aspects of electricity supply addressed by Standards, Codes and Guidelines are set out in Table A3.4.1 below.
Safety and technical Standards are published documents which have been progressively developed in consultation with the electricity supply industry, end users and manufacturers of equipment. They define minimum requirements for the various components of electricity supply and ensure that the industry is performing with high levels of safety and reliability. Technical Standards also include specified best practice performance methods and tests (such as for safety or energy efficiency) and are designed to ensure the safe and effective operation of electrical equipment.
Various standards that are indicative of best practice in the Australian electricity supply industry have been called up by the Electricity (General) Regulations 2012. Those standards are binding on the electrical entities licensed in this State to generate electricity or operate a transmission or distribution network, and on other participants in the electricity supply industry that have been exempted from the requirement to hold a licence for their infrastructure operations.
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Table A3.4.1: Electricity Supply Infrastructure addressed by Standards, Codes and Guidelines
Aerial Lines Conductors Insulated Cables Insulators Insulator and Conductor Fittings Thermal Limits Short Circuit Capacity Mechanical Loading Conditions Conductor Tensions Structures and Footings Clearances from Ground Clearances from Structures Spacing of Conductors Maintenance Substations Electrical Design Circuit Breakers and Ancillary Switchgear Assemblies and Equipment Ancillary Equipment Control Equipment Insulating Panels Power Transformers Bushings Surge Arrestors Batteries Insulation Coordination Safety Clearances Buildings and Enclosures Switchyard Structures, Footings Maintenance and Foundations Earthing and Electrical Protection Systems Protection Earthing Maintenance Testing
Published Standards include: Australian/New Zealand Standards; standards of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC); guidelines of the Environmental Protection Authority; Energy Networks Australia codes – formerly Energy Supply Association of Australia (ESAA) codes; and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers guidelines.
These Standards are prepared by national technical committees that represent a broad spectrum of interests. These include regulators, other Government bodies, industry experts and consumer representatives. To ensure they are kept up to date, Standards are regularly reviewed. The Technical Regulator is represented on 13 relevant electrical Australian Standards committees and takes on an important role in reviewing the Standards. The Technical Regulator, as part of compliance auditing, refers to the Standards and reviews the operation of, and compliance with the standards.
Various Australian Standards are called up by the Electricity (General) Regulations 2012, as are other nationally and internationally recognised Standards. The Energy Networks Australia (ENA) codes – formerly Energy Supply Association of Australia (ESAA) codes, are indicative of best industry practice in the Australian electricity supply industry. Those called up by the Electricity (General) Regulations 2012 are binding on electrical entities in South Australia.
In 2014-15, the Technical Regulator continued in the important role of reviewing Standards, within the Standards Committees because of the need to both regulate in accordance with them and to review their operation.
Representation on Standards Committees by the Technical Regulator is limited to those committees that may have an impact on safety within South Australian industry and on the Technical Regulator’s responsibilities. These are:
EL-001 Wiring Rules
EL-001-09 Wiring Rules Drafting Subcommittee
EL-001-17 Construction Demolition Sites Installations
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EL-001-21 Testing and Inspection of Electrical Installations
EL-001-24 Generator Sets
EL-002 Safety of Household Appliances
EL-004 Electrical Accessories
EL-42 Renewable Energy Power Supplies and Systems
EL-42-03 Grid connection of energy systems by inverters
EL-044 Safe Working on Low Voltage Electrical Installations
EL-052 Electrical Energy Networks, Construction and Operation
ET-007 Coordinating Committee on Power and Telecommunications
QR-012 Essential Safety and Regulatory Compliance Mark committee
Because of the large number of Australian and New Zealand Standards, representation is shared between all Australian and New Zealand regulators and industry to minimise costs and to ensure that the Standards are practical, commercially equitable and suitable for regulatory purposes.
Selected major achievements of some of the committees during 2014-15:
Standards Australia Committee EL-001- Wiring Rules
During 2014-15, the EL-001 Committee worked on:
FAQ’s for AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules review of AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules amendments to AS/NZS 3001 Transportable Structures and Vehicles review of AS/NZS 3003 Patient Areas review of AS/NZS 3010 Generator Sets review of AS/NZS 3012 Construction and Demolition sites
Standards Australia Committee EL-002 – Safety of Household Appliances
Participation on this Standards committee over the last year has seen the review and implementation of amendments to various appliance standards, to help improve consumer safety. Some highlights of 2014-15 include:
Work on an annex for AS/NZS 60335.2.81 to cover the constructional requirements for electric hot water bottles. An incident investigated by the Technical Regulator, where a consumer received serious burns from a ruptured hot water bottle, helped drive progress in this area. Swimming pool standards to be amended to prohibit class II construction, where there is a conductive water circuit. All conductive parts will be required to be earthed. There have been a number of Spa pool heating element failures that resulted in consumers receiving electric shocks. Standards Australia Committee EL-004 – Electrical Accessories
This year various new standards were published with a strategic focus on alignment with IEC standards wherever practical. This includes the release of:
AS/NZS 61008.1 Residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (RCBOs); and
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AS/NZS 61009.1 Residual current operated circuit-breakers without integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (RCCBs).
Various standards were also amended to enhance safety where deficiencies were identified; one highlight was the amendment 3:2014 for AS/NZS 3100:2009 which has new protection requirements for Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) used in surge protection applications in accessories such as electrical power boards. This requirement was implemented as a result of unsafe MOV failure/degradation causing heat/fire damage in equipment.
Standards Australia Committee EL-42 – Renewable Energy Power Supplies and Systems
The new standard AS/NZS 5033:2014 Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays has been released. This standard includes an increased scope to capture larger PV arrays systems up to 240 kW and new installation requirements for segregation of AC & DC circuits, DC conditioning units and small micro inverter installations. Earth fault alarm requirements that were previously exempted to allow manufacturers to reengineer products also became mandated.
The sub-committee EL-42-03 is still in the process of revising the AS/NZS 4777 Grid Connection of energy systems via inverters standard series. A complete new series of this standard is expected to be released in 2016. The revised draft standard has is currently being prepared for a second round of public comment.
The sub-committee EL-42-05 is currently developing a new battery energy systems standard AS/NZS 5139, in anticipation of an increased uptake of battery systems used particularly in residential grid- connected and stand-alone power systems. The standard will address various installation safety issues concerning battery storage, integration with powers systems and protection requirements. This standard is expected to be released in 2017, and will supersede current battery standards which are outdated.
Standards Australia Committee QR-012 – Essential Safety and Regulatory Compliance Mark committee
Various electrical products are currently being assessed for equipment classification in AS/NZS 4417.2. These products include DC isolators, double-capped LED tubes, self-ballasted LED lamps, building cable and air-conditioners. If these products fall within high risk classification of this standard, they will become proclaimed products under the Energy Products (Safety & Efficiency) Act 2000 that require an Australian approval prior to sale. This assessment is expected to be completed by 2016.
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Appendix 4: Risks associated with the electricity industry and the activities of the Technical Regulator
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Appendix 5: Products A5.1. Proclaimed Electrical Products Following are the 56 classes of products currently proclaimed under the Energy Products (Safety & Efficiency) Act 2000 for safety purposes:
1 Appliance Connector 28 Lawn Care Appliance 2 Arc Welding Machine (stick and gas 29 Liquid Heating Appliance shielded) 30 Luminaire – Portable Type 3 Bayonet Lampholder 31 Massage Appliance 4 Bayonet Lampholder Adaptor 32 Microwave Oven 5 Blanket 33 Miniature Over-Current Circuit Breaker 6 Bread Toaster 34 Outlet Device 7 Clothes Dryer 35 Plug 8 Control or Conditioning Device 36 Power Supply or Charger 9 Cooking Appliance – Portable Type 37 Projector 10 Cord Extension Socket 38 Range 11 Cord-Line Switch 39 Range Hood 12 Decorative Lighting Outfit (chains) 40 Razor/Hair Clipper 13 Dishwashing Machine 41 Refrigerating Appliance 14 Edison Screw Lampholder 42 Residual Current Device 15 Fan 43 Room Heater and Room Heater, 16 Fence Energiser Thermal Storage 17 Flexible Heating Pad 44 Sewing Machine 18 Floor Polisher/Scrubber 45 Socket-Outlet 19 Fluorescent Lamp Ballast, Electronic 46 Soldering Iron Lamp Ballast (including compact 47 Supply Flexible Cord fluorescent) 48 Swimming Pool/Spa Equipment 20 Fluorescent Lamp Starter 49 Television Receiver 21 Hair Care Appliance 50 Therapeutic Lamp 22 Hedge Clipper 51 Tool, Portable type 23 Immersion Heater Aquarium Heaters 52 Vacuum Cleaner 24 Insect Electrocutor 53 Wall Switch 25 Inspection Hand Lamp 54 Washing Machine 26 Iron, Garment Steamers 55 Water Bed Heater 27 Kitchen Machine 56 Water Heater
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A5.2. Proclaimed Products requiring MEPS Registration
Air-conditioner – close control Air conditioner – refrigerative Distribution transformer ELV Lighting converter Electric motor three phase Electric water Heater External power supply Fluorescent lamp ballast Freezer Gas water heater Incandescent lamp Linear fluorescent lamp Liquid-chilling package Refrigerated display cabinet Refrigerator Refrigerator/freezer Self-ballasted compact fluorescent lamp Set top box Television set Water heater
A5.3. Proclaimed Products requiring Energy Efficiency Labelling
Air conditioner – refrigerative Clothes dryer Dishwashing machine Fluorescent lamp ballast Freezer Refrigerator Refrigerator-freezer Television set Washing machine
The full descriptions of the proclaimed electrical products (A5.1, A5.2 and A5.3 as detailed above) can be found in the Energy Products (Safety and Efficiency) Proclamation 2012, available in the Proclamations and Notices section of www.legislation.sa.gov.au.
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Appendix 6: Generators A6.1. Major Generators
The information for the major generator capacities below are sourced from the AEMO SA existing generation information and ESCOSA Generation Licences website.
Table A6.1.1: Major Generators
Location Capacity (MW) Licensed Entity Torrens Island (A and B) 1,280 AGL Energy Limited
Port Augusta 786 Flinders Power Holdings GmbH, Flinders Labuan (No. 1) Ltd, Flinders Labuan (Northern and Playford) (No.2.) Ltd, Flinders Operating Services Pty Ltd
Pelican Point 478 Pelican Point Power Limited
Dry Creek, Mintaro, Port 383 Synergen Power Pty Limited Lincoln and Snuggery
Hallett 228 EnergyAustralia Hallett Pty Ltd
Quarantine 224 Origin Energy Power Ltd
Osborne 180 Flinders Osborne Trading Pty Ltd and Flinders Operating Services Pty Ltd (Joint Venture of ATCO
Power Australia Pty Ltd and Origin Energy Power Ltd)
Ladbroke Grove 80 Origin Energy Power Ltd
Reference: AEMO: SA existing generation Information (15 May 2015) and ESCOSA Licenses
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A6.2. Wind Farms The information for the wind farm capacities below are sourced from the AEMO SA existing wind generation information and ESCOSA Wind Generation Licences website.
Table A6.2.1: Wind Farms
Location Capacity (MW)
Bluff Wind Farm ( Hallett Stage 5) 52.5
North Brown Hill ( Hallett Stage 4) 132.3
Hallett Hill ( Hallett Stage 2) 71.4
Brown Hill ( Hallett Stage 1) 94.5
Canunda Wind Farm 46
Cathedral Rocks Wind Farm 66
Lake Bonney Stage 1 80.5
Lake Bonney Stage 2 159
Lake Bonney Stage 3 39
Mt Millar Wind Farm 70
Clements Gap 56.7
Snowtown Wind Farm 98.7
Starfish Hill Win Farm 34.5
Trust Power Holdings Pty Ltd 2.1
Waterloo Wind Farm 111
Wattle Point Wind Farm 90.8
Snowtown S2 North (Committed) 144
Snowtown S2 South (Committed) 126
Total Capacity 1472.9 MW
Reference: AEMO: SA existing wind generation Information (15 May 2015) and ESCOSA Licenses
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A6.3 Small Operators Table A6.3.1: Small generation, distribution and transmission operators with approved SRMTMPs
Location Licensed Entity Type
Yunta Dalfoam Pty Ltd Diesel (also distribution)
Whyalla OneSteel Manufacturing Pty Ltd Gas Turbines (also distribution)
Coober Pedy Coober Pedy District Council Diesel and wind (also distribution)
Iron Knob and Pimba Cowell Electric Supply Pty Ltd Distribution
Andamooka Jeril Enterprises Pty Ltd Gas and diesel (also distribution)
Roxby Downs Municipal Council of Roxby Downs Distribution
Olympic Dam BHP Billiton Transmission
Various1 Energy Developments Limited Landfill Gas Group Operations Pty Ltd
Lonsdale, Angaston and Infratil Energy Australia Pty Ltd Diesel Port Stanvac
Tarcoola The Australian Rail Track Diesel (also distribution Corporation Ltd (ARTC) and transmission)
Wilpena Pound AGL Photovoltaic
Coopers Brewery AGL Cogeneration Regency Park
Remote Areas2 Cavill Power Products Pty Ltd Diesel and Gas
Aboriginal Communities3 Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Diesel and photovoltaic Reconciliation
Moomba Santos Limited Steam and Gas turbines Cooper Basin Diesel and Gas (also distribution)
Moomba/ Adelaide Epic Energy South Australia Pty Diesel and gas (also Pipeline Limited distribution)
Hope Valley Lofty Ranges Power Pty Ltd and Mini Hydro SA Water Corporation
Note 1: Wingfield, Tea Tree Gully, Highbury, Pedlar Creek Note 2: Oodnadatta, Marree, Kingoonya, Parachilna, Nundroo, Mannahill, Marla, Glendambo, Blinman Note 3: Umuwa, Amata, Pipalyatjara, Watarru, Murputja, Oak Valley, Yalata
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Appendix 7: Transmission The electricity transmission system transports power from the power stations directly to a series of sub- stations and switchyards, which in turn supply the distribution system and directly connected transmission customers. The major transmission entity in the State, ElectraNet, owns and operates a network of approximately 5,600 circuit kilometres of transmission lines. The network operates at nominal voltages of primarily 275 kV and 132 kV with a smaller number of 66 kV lines. The transmission system also includes 88 substations and switchyards.
Table A7.1: ElectraNet Key Performance Indicators
Performance Performance Definition of Indicator 2013-14 2014-15 Indicator Measured
Substation Volume of Number of Substation Routine 4,150 4,104 Routine Task planned Tasks completed Rate substation maintenance Line Routine Planned line Number of Line Routine Tasks 1,519 1,557 Task Rate maintenance completed during the during the period reporting period Substation Unplanned Number of Substation 3,469 5,046 Corrective Task Substation Corrective Tasks completed Rate maintenance during the reporting period during the period Line Corrective Unplanned Line Number of Line Corrective 2,105 4,069 Task Rate maintenance Tasks completed during the during the period reporting period Vegetation Vegetation Number of reported 0 0 Infringements maintenance vegetation infringements unresolved within 7 days during the fire season Fire Starts Line maintenance Number of fire starts caused 0 1 by ElectraNet transmission assets. Major Plant Events reported Number of failures of major 6 9 Failure Events under 73(3)(a) of plant requiring replacement the Electricity (eg. HV transformers, circuit (General) breakers, disconnectors, Regulations 2012 instrument transformers Electric Shock Safety Number of shock reports 1 0 Reports during the period Switching Switching safety Number of switching incidents 0.30% 0.1% Incident Rate per number of switching plans issued Lost Time Safety Number of injuries resulting in 2 0 Injuries more than one day lost Lost Time Injury Safety Number of injuries resulting in 3.0 0.0 Frequency Rate more than one day lost per
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Performance Performance Definition of Indicator 2013-14 2014-15 Indicator Measured million hours worked Medical Safety Number of medical treatment 1 3 Treatment injuries Injuries
Medical Safety Number of medical treatment 1.59 4.31 Treatment Injury injuries per million hours Frequency Rate worked Contractor ElectraNet’s Number of reported 6 4 Safety Incidents contractor safety construction and maintenance involving Injury contractor safety incidents involving injury Emergency ElectraNet’s Number of completed 1 1 Management emergency Emergency Management Plan Plan Exercises response exercises preparedness
Table A7.2: Murraylink Circuit Availability Performance Indicators
2013-14 2014-15 Target Outage Availability Outage Availability Outage Availability (Hrs) (Hrs) (Hrs) Planned 34h 36min 99.60% 117h 56min 97.95% 72h 99.17% Outage Peak Period 40h 10min 99.54% 40h 16min 99.53% 45h 99.48% Forced Outage Off Peak Period Forced 17h 39min 99.80% 19h 36min 99.77% 55.8h 99.34% Outage
Lost Time 0 0 0 Injuries Medical Treatment 0 0 0 Injuries
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Appendix 8: Distribution The distribution network delivers power to consumers. The major distribution network operator, SA Power Networks (formerly ETSA Utilities), owns and maintains over 88,212 kilometres of overhead and underground distribution lines. The lines operate at 132 kV, 66 kV, 33 kV, 19 kV (SWER), 11 kV, 7.6 kV and low voltage (400/230 V). SA Power Networks also owns 405 substations and switchyards.
The South Australian distribution network serves 850,216 customers.
In 2014-15, the number of fire starts attributed to the distribution infrastructure has decreased from the previous year by 32.58% to 0.6 fire starts per 1,000 km of mains.
Table 8.1: Some of SA Power Networks Key Performance Indicators
Safety Management Indicators 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Annual cumulative numbers of lost time 6 Lost Time 4 Lost Time 4 Lost Time accidents and near misses involving SA 539 Near Miss 705 Near Miss 1,236 Near Miss Power Networks personnel (including contractors) Hazard logs greater than 30 days old 3 0 3 Number of in progress hazard logs 12 11 4 Actual workplace inspections carried out 1,040 1,050 1,0551 per annual inspections planned Number of shock reports per 1000 km 3.8 4.4 5.82 of mains Number of damage claims per 1000 km 6.5 8.1 4.43 of mains Number of fire starts per 1000 km of 0.72 0.89 0.6 mains Number of switching incidents 25 24 30 Number of completed emergency plan 2 2 3 exercises Technical Management Indicators % meters within tolerance (per planned 99.2 97.2 98.2 sample) General Information Number of requests for underground 51,239 59,946 78,460 locations provided per year Number of revenue metering 7,230 5,160 5,072 investigations carried out per year Audited compliance against internal Completed by Completed by Completed by vegetation clearance procedures and GHD in December GHD in December GHD in December agreements 2012 2013 2014 Number of network access permits 642 requested 1,684 requested 1,657 requested requested and number of network 710 issued 1,539 issued 1,524 issued5 access permits issued4
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Note 1: Estimated only by SA Power Networks
Note 2: 5.8 = (518/88,212) x 1,000 where 518 is the number of Shock Reports; 88,212 is the total circuit length of SA Power Networks network used in the calculation
Note 3: 4.4 = (386/88,212) x 1,000 where 386 is the number of damage claims (one incident can result in multiple claims)
Note 4: Access Permits are issued for all Requests for Network Access (RNA) & for vegetation clearance work not received via a RNA
Note 5: Associated with the RNA’s, or with ad-hoc requests to cut trees by SA Power Networks engaged tree cutters or to dig near SA Power Networks cables
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Appendix 9: Glossary and Abbreviations A9.1. Definitions Availability Percentage of time over a year when Distribution reliability Total duration of customer generating plant was available (after megawatt supply interruptions (minutes off supply) per losses due to outages are taken into account); customer per annum, averaged over the year based on megawatt hours Measured by the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) Cogeneration Production of useful heat and electricity from the same quantity of fuel Distribution Licence An industry code administered by ESCOSA (adherence to the Code is a condition of a distribution licence) Meshed Part of a ring main where failure at one point can be isolated and supply system backfed from elsewhere in the system as opposed to radial system, which has only one point of supply Network Outage Time A measurement of the time that the network cannot supply energy Reliability Indication of capability of electricity supply system to meet demand; measured by the number of hours when plant was out of service SAIDI The total of the duration of each customer interruption (in minutes) divided by the total number of customers averaged over the year SAIFI The total number of customer interruptions divided by the average total number of customers over the year Generation Production of electricity in power stations, solar arrays and wind farms Transmission Transport of electricity to the distribution network by high voltage transmission lines Distribution Delivery of electricity to consumers through the network Reliability of supply Ability to maintain sufficient generation or flow of electricity to meet the demand of end users Security of supply Ability to provide responses to the failure of plant and equipment so as to continue the supply of electricity Distribution reliability Duration of customer supply interruptions (minutes off supply) per customer per annum, averaged over the year Measured by the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) Transmission circuit availability Measured by the hours all circuits are available expressed as a percentage of the total possible hours they could be available
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A9.2. Performance Indicator Definitions
Planned outages
Planned outages generally involve overhaul work, either on a unit or components, planned well in advance, usually by more than a year. Maintenance outages
Maintenance outages require the removal of a unit or component from service for work which can be deferred beyond the next weekend but must be carried out before the next planned outage. Forced outages
Forced outages involve the removal of a unit or component from service for work that cannot be deferred beyond the next weekend. The term “equivalent” refers to the conversion of partial outages to equivalent full outages. Starting reliability
Starting reliability is the percentage of time the plant actually starts when called upon. This is only reported for power stations classed as peaking plants. For base load plants, starting reliability is not applicable as the plant is run continuously. A9.3. Performance Indicator Formulae
Planned Outage Factor
MWh out of service due to planned outage x 100% Installed plant capacity (MW) x 8,760 hours Maintenance Outage Factor
MWh out of service due to maintenance outages x 100% Installed plant capacity (MW) x 8,760 hours
Equivalent Forced Outage Factor
MWh out of service due to forced outage x 100% Installed plant capacity (MW) x 8,760 hours
Equivalent Availability Factor
Installed plant capacity ( MW) x 8,760 – MWh losses due to outages) x 100% Installed plant capacity (MW) x 8,760 hours
Medical Injury Frequency Rate
Number of occurrences in the period x 1,000,000
Number of hours worked in the period
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A9.4. Units J Joule – unit of energy
W watt (1W = 1 joule/second) – unit of power Wh watt-hour (1Wh = 3,600J) – unit of electrical energy V Volt – unit of Voltage VAR Volt Amp Reactive – unit of reactive power A9.5. Prefixes m (milli) 10-3 k (kilo) 103 (thousand) M (mega) 106 (million) G (giga) 109 (billion) T (tera) 1012 (trillion) A9.6. Acronyms and Abbreviations ABC Arial Bundled Cable AC Alternating Current ACCC Australian Competition and Consumer Commission AEMO Australian Energy Market Operator AER Australian Energy Regulator APS Augusta Power Stations (Northern Power Station and Playford Power Station) BBQ Barbecue CATI Computer Assisted Telephone Interview CBS Consumer and Business Services CEC Clean Energy Council CEPU Communications Electrical Plumbing Union CTR Click Through Rate DC Direct Current DMITRE Department for Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy DSD Department of State Development ECC Electrical Certificate of Compliance EIO Energy Industry Ombudsman ElectraNet Short form of ElectraNet SA, the trading name of ElectraNet Pty Limited ELV Extra Low Voltage ENA Energy Networks Australia EPARCG Energy Planning and Regulators Coordination Group – formerly the Electricity PARCG. Merged with the Gas Regulators Coordinators Group in November 2005 ERAC Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council ESAA Energy Supply Association of Australia
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ESCOSA Essential Services Commission of South Australia. Independent economic regulator, established by an Act of Parliament. Responsible for licensing, quality of supply and customer service issues in the South Australian electricity market ESISC Energy Supply Industry Safety Committee ETAC Electrical Technical Advisory Committee ETSA Short form of ETSA Utilities (Now known as SA Power Networks), a partnership of: CKI Utilities Development Limited HEI Utilities Development Limited CKI Utilities Holdings Limited HEI Utilities Holdings Limited CKI/HEI Utilities Distribution Limited FTE Full Time Equivalent GDN Google Display Network HV High voltage IEC International Electrotechnical Commission (responsible for developing international safety and technical Standards) IEEE The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers IGA Inter Government Agreement KPI Key Performance Indicator LED Light Emitting Diode
LGA Local Government Association LV Low voltage (less than 1000 volts; nominally 400/230 volts) MAP Moomba-Adelaide Pipeline – Gas pipeline that supplies natural gas to Adelaide from the Moomba processing plant MCE Ministerial Council on Energy MED Major Event Day MEPS Minimum Energy Performance Standards MEN Multiple Earthed Neutral MFS Metropolitan Fire Service MOV Metal Oxide Varistors MRA Mutual Recognition Agreement or Act allowing legal recognition in one jurisdiction of product approval or testing procedures in another jurisdiction NATA National Association of Testing Authorities NECA National Electrical and Communications Association NEM National Electricity Market OCBA Office of Consumer and Business Affairs
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OTR Office of the Technical Regulator PCB Printed Circuit Board
PDF Portable Document Format RCBO Residual-current Circuit Breaker with overcurrent protection RCCB Residual-current Circuit Breaker RCD Residual Current Device (also known as an earth leakage circuit breaker); commonly referred to as a ‘Safety Switch’ RCM Regulatory Compliance Mark RIS Regulatory Impact Statement SA South Australia SAIDI System Average Interruption Duration Index SAIFI System Average Interruption Frequency Index SAPN SA Power Networks SAPOL South Australian Police SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition SCO Senior Committee of Officials SEAGas South East Australia Gas Pipeline – Gas pipeline that supplies natural gas from Victoria to Adelaide SRMTMP Safety, Reliability, Maintenance and Technical Management Plan SWE Significant Weather Event SWER Single Wire Earth Return (19kV rural distribution feeder) TAFE Training and Further Education TIPS Torrens Island Power Station TOR Terms of Reference USAIDI Unplanned System Average Interruption Duration Index
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