ETU demands energy regulator come to Queensland following second explosion
The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) demands Australian Energy Regulator (AER) travel to Queensland to meet with industry representatives following second underground explosion in South East Queensland.
On Monday, the union demanded the AER increase its budget for maintenance of electricity infrastructure in Queensland following an explosion on the Gold Coast that injured a pedestrian. Following a second explosion, this time in Maroochydore, union leadership says the AER must send representatives to Queensland before finalising its maintenance budget.
"We're demanding that the AER come to Queensland, meet with industry representatives from our union and the government-owned power companies, and see the infrastructure for themselves," says ETU State Secretary Peter Ong.
"The people who determine the budget for maintenance need to see what we're dealing with in Queensland and the approved budget must reflect what Queenslanders need to have a reliable and safe electricity network."
ETU Assistant State Secretary and Electricity Supply Industry coordinator Stuart Traill says the maintenance budget must reflect maintenance required.
"Fortunately this second explosion happened in a less populated area than the first one, so nobody was injured, however it did occur just outside a substation, which means a higher fault current," says Mr Traill.
"These hot, humid days create the perfect storm for cables to blow up if they're not properly maintained. The extra load from people turning on their air conditioners on these extremely hot days, and the moisture in the air from the humidity and the rain creates extreme pressure.
"During the heatwave this week, suppliers were forced to start load shedding, and we're only at the start of summer. The AER's budget just doesn't reflect the reality of the work that needs to be completed in this state. Yet the regulator is planning to cut the budget further, when we're already behind in vital maintenance.
"These things will just get worse unless sufficient resources are allocated to vital works. Two explosions in South East Queensland the space of four days is completely unacceptable, and if action isn't taken, I can guarantee we will see even more."
