Generators brought in to back-up Bruny Island supply after undersea power cable was damaged

A power cable supplying Bruny Island has been irreparably damaged and will need to be completely replaced, TasNetworks says.

TWO generators will be used to safeguard Bruny Island’s power supply after a back-up cable was severely damaged, TasNetworks says.

The cable between Tinderbox and Dennes Point failed on November 3, with a section found with a boat anchor hooked onto it.

The anchor hooked underneath the power cable.

TasNetworks said the damage was considered irreparable and that the cable would be replaced, but that could take up to 18 months and cost at least $2.5 million.

The island’s main subsea connector from Simmonds Point, near Oyster Cove, is not affected and is supplying all customer demand.

Two extra diesel generators have been installed at Alonnah, with another to be added before the peak summer tourist period. This will take the total number of generators to four.

TasNetworks’ leader of engineering, Eddie Jager, said the extra generators would provide enough back-up power to all Bruny Island customers in case of problems with the main supply cable.

“We’re confident we can safeguard Bruny Island’s power supply. There’s no cause for concern,” he said.

“We’re proactively managing the situation. We’ll replace the cable, and put enough back-up generation on the island to cover total demand while that happens.

“We’re confident the cable damage was caused by the anchor hooked onto it. It’s a timely reminder for mariners to avoid anchoring near the two Bruny subsea cables.”

TasNetworks said there are usually about 600 permanent electricity customers on the island, but the number swells with summer occupancy and tourism, increasing demand.