Residents and businesses in McLaren Vale have recently experienced multiple power outages, prompting SA Power Networks (SAPN) to address the issue in a community discussion. Meeting with the McLaren Vale Business and Tourism Association, SAPN representatives explained the causes of these disruptions and outlined their efforts to improve reliability.

McLaren Vale's electricity supply comes from a 40-kilometre line connected to a substation in McLaren Flat, serving around 1,150 customers. Kym Williams, SAPN’s Reliability Manager, acknowledges that since 2022, the area's power reliability has been below their targets. However, recent fixes to faulty circuit breakers, identified as a primary cause of outages, are expected to bring immediate improvements.

One cause of short-lived outages is transient faults triggered by contact from birds or tree branches. These cause the network’s circuit breakers to momentarily cut power as a safety precaution.

Typically, these faults resolve quickly, but a faulty breaker had failed to reset automatically, turning minor interruptions into extended outages. SAPN has since repaired the faulty breakers and taken steps to increase clearances in high bird-activity areas like Wheaton and Tipi Lane.

Looking ahead, SAPN plans to invest approximately $700,000 in 2025 to install feeder automation around McLaren Vale. This technology will allow the network to isolate faulted areas and keep power on in unaffected sections, reducing disruption and maintaining supply to key areas such as the main street.

Cecilia Schutz, SAPN’s Head of Corporate Affairs, emphasises SAPN’s commitment to engaging with the community and the Australian Energy Regulator to secure funding for these reliability improvements across South Australia.

For residents, signing up for SAPN’s free SMS alerts can provide real-time notifications of outages, helping to stay informed and prepared during service interruptions.