No Fake Poles - Keep Hardwood Power Poles in NSW
Petitioner:
Mr James Jooste
| Member:
McGirr, Joe
| No. of Signatories:
236
| Date closed:
24/10/2024
To the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly,
We the undersigned, call upon the NSW Government to overturn the decision by Essential Energy to transition 1.33 million power poles in Regional NSW from sustainable and affordable hardwood timber to fibreglass composite poles. This decision, if not reversed, will continue to have a detrimental impact on families and businesses in regional NSW during a cost-of-living crisis.
The Importance of Hardwood Power Poles
1. Durability: Hardwood power poles are a critical part of our electricity network, comprising 90% of all power poles in regional NSW. They are durable and provide long-term reliability. Moreover, hardwood poles are sustainable and carbon-positive.
2. Affordability: Hardwood poles are the most cost-effective option for maintaining our power infrastructure. The transition to composite poles has already led to increased electricity bills for families and businesses in NSW.
The State-Owned Corporations Act provides the government with the authority to direct Essential Energy to undertake policy changes in the public interest. Given Essential Energy's vast network covering 95% of New South Wales and its critical role in serving 890,000 homes and businesses, it is imperative that decisions reflect the needs and welfare of the people it serves. Electricity prices have already risen in NSW from July 1 2024 to absorb the cost of the transition out of hardwood poles.
We ask the Legislative Assembly to call on the Government to intervene to ensure that Essential Energy continues to use hardwood poles, maintaining our affordable, sustainable, and reliable power infrastructure.
