PPL linesmen carry out line clearance

TALL trees growing under power lines and transmission towers have been identified as the main cause of power disruption into Madang.
PNG Power chief executive officer Chris Bais in a statement said as a result of this, linesmen from Yonki patrolled and cut the trees from Assas to Walium on June 19.
“These hot spots were identified earlier this year during  an  aerial  survey.
“Reports revealed that the regrowth of trees and shrubs was the main cause of short circuits and line trips along the transmission corridor between Ramu and Madang.”
There are 384 transmission towers with lines carrying 66,000 volts from Ramu to Madang and the lines pass through thick forests, gardens and villages.
“Along this transmission corridor, tall trees and shrubs get in contact with the power lines, causing short circuits and power cuts to the Ramu and Madang supply.
“These are high voltage lines and are a great risk for locals.”
To avoid electrocution and unnecessary power cuts, linesmen led by Peter Joseph and Petrus Andandi took the whole day carrying out line clearance at Kesowai, Assas, Yakumbu and Walium between six spans of transmission towers.
The team will continue with line clearance to the hot spots and also along the transmission corridor connecting Erap and Bulolo.
After this line clearance, proper maintenance and upgrade will be done to replace power lines, insulators and repairs on towers from Madang to Yonki.
The public can contact PNG Power’s call centre on 70908000/76535261 or 76535273 when they see trees touching power lines, so the lines crew can clear the lines.