SA Power Networks

SA Power Networks Celebrates Double Wins at Project Management Achievement Awards 🎉 Our Digital and Technology teams have made us proud by winning top honours at the South Australian Project Management Achievement Awards (PMAAs) hosted by the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM). We're now gearing up for the national stage in October! At the lively awards event on 30 August, our project teams came together to celebrate the win in two critical categories: 🔹 ICT/Telecommunications: Our AESCSF Uplift project has significantly boosted our cyber security, aligning with regulatory standards across 11 critical areas. Despite the challenges, we not only met our targets but also exceeded them, enhancing our overall security posture. 🔹 Small Project: The Starlink Pilot has transformed connectivity for our field crews in remote areas, providing crucial backup communication where traditional coverage falls short. With the pilot’s success, we’re fast-tracking the rollout of this cutting-edge technology across South Australia. A huge congratulations to everyone involved from the Digital and Technology Leadership Team and Project Team. This recognition is a result of the hard work of Chris Ford, Nathan Morelli, Saibeth Walls, Dan Butcher, Alexander Duffy, Mark Tate, John Lykiardopoulos, Mir Asim, and Adrian J. We’re thrilled with these state-level victories and can't wait to see how we fare at the national awards. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to innovate and lead the way in digital transformation and project excellence! #ProjectManagement #CyberSecurity #Innovation #SAWinning #Starlink #AIPM

Last week, Blackfriars Priory School held an event that got students thinking about how maths plays a role in different industries. Alex (Maths/IT Graduate) and Leo (Graduate Engineer) were there to share their stories. Both Alex Mitchard and Leo Jones spoke about how studying STEM subjects led them to careers at SA Power Networks, where maths is part of their everyday work—whether it’s solving complex problems or keeping our energy network running smoothly. They emphasised that maths is a key subject required for all of our early career programs, hoping to spark an interest in the subject and inspire students to consider a future with us. As parents, encouraging your child’s interest in STEM can open up a world of opportunities for them. If your child shows a passion for maths and science, consider exploring the many paths that could lead to a rewarding career in the energy sector. Tap to learn more: https://lnkd.in/g3QaQZS4

We're excited to be part of the Bowden Bird Walk Art Trail, featuring 30 beautiful mosaic bird images on Stobie poles as part of this year’s SALA Festival! 🐦✨ At the launch, Premier Peter Malinauskas, our CEO Andrew Bills, and SALA Festival CEO Bridget Alfred joined forces with Hindmarsh Greening to celebrate this unique art installation. As we commemorate 100 years of the iconic Stobie pole, we're also excited to announce our support for entering the Bowden Bird Walk in the 2024 National Street Art Awards! A huge shoutout to Hindmarsh Greening volunteers, the City of Charles Sturt, and everyone involved in making this trail a reality. To view the map of the walk and explore it yourself, head to https://lnkd.in/gVZPSxEw

Better lighting, safer streets, and energy savings for local communities – these are just some of the benefits coming out of the transition to LED streetlights here in SA. We’re proud to share our successfully completed project in partnership with City of Port Adelaide Enfield to convert over 4,800 of their streetlights to energy efficient LEDs, helping save costs and reduce direct greenhouse gas emissions. LED lighting improves road user safety at night by illuminating roads and footpaths effectively, and is 82% more energy efficient than sodium or mercury-based lights. Read more about this project here💡https://lnkd.in/gTFzmFQQ

Local artist Cassie Hutchinson recently unveiled her first outdoor mural, Bloom Where You Are, on our Coromandel Place substation wall! Painted as part of SALA Festival, this vibrant artwork embodies the spirit of thriving in any situation. Her aim was to create a piece that connects with the community, inspiring viewers to thrive despite any hurdles. Cassie expressed her joy and gratitude about the project. “The entire process was absolutely amazing,” she said. “I had the best time bringing this project to life, learning new skills, and even battling the elements.” She was particularly touched by the support from local businesses and residents. “Their support and conversations made the experience even more special,” she said. “I’m already looking forward to my next mural.” Don't miss it next time you're in the city! 🌸

A clearer view for Moonta residents! We’ve been working with the Copper Coast Council to underground two sections of overhead powerlines and poles along Bay Road, Moonta, to spruce things up a bit and wow - what a difference a year makes! Since August last year we have undergrounded 397 metres of overhead powerlines along Bay Road near George Street, and another 235 metres of overhead powerlines closer to the foreshore. Over two stages of works, we have been able to remove 13 Stobie poles from the streetscape and have laid a combined 1,314 route metres of cable underground, allowing Moonta residents to enjoy clearer and more aesthetic surroundings. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸? SA Power Networks is part of a Power Line Environment Committee (PLEC) that works with local and State governments to beautify important streets by placing powerlines underground as part of councils' streetscaping initiatives. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/gYE9-mfD

This year, SA Power Networks proudly partnered with the Aboriginal Career Exploration (ACE) Program to inspire students across South Australia as they explore pathways into trades. The program aims to provide Aboriginal students with the skills and knowledge to make informed decisions as they take the first steps into their career and training pathways from Year 10 to Year 11 and beyond. As part of the program's Industry Immersion Week, we welcomed around 60 students to our Training Centre. They gained insight into our operations through a guided tour and participated in four hands-on activities, giving them a taste of what a career in our industry could look like. This was our first time taking part in ACE, and it has strengthened our commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for young people in South Australia. By introducing these students to the world of trades, we hope to inspire them to consider a future in the energy sector. We’re dedicated to supporting future careers by participating in programs like ACE Immersion Week, helping to open doors for the next generation of Aboriginal leaders in trades and beyond.

Our first ‘Beyond Visual Line of Sight’ (BVLoS) nighttime flight has successfully taken place in the state’s south-east! This milestone saw our power workers flying one of our large multi-rotor drones equipped with a thermal imaging sensor, which enables us to better detect ‘hot joints’ - parts of our network where connections might be weak or failing, causing the lines and joints to heat up. This photo shows the type of faults that can be identified by our thermographic inspection program, ensuring we’re able to deliver a safe and reliable network. Read more about this innovative approach to powerline inspection here: https://lnkd.in/gSNssjAt #BVLOS #innovation #drones #UAV #DroneTechnology #DroneOperation #aviation

Meet Katarina, one of our Cadet Network Project Officers (NPO). Last year, she decided to take her career in a completely new direction by applying for our Cadet NPO Program. “Coming from a totally different industry, I hardly noticed powerlines or knew what transformers did. But now, I’ve gained a deep understanding of SA Power Networks and the broader electrical industry. "SA Power Networks is a great place to work with lots of opportunity. Through this experience, I've come to appreciate just how complex the network infrastructure is and the teamwork required to get projects done, connect people and businesses to our network.” Are you like Katarina and looking for a new direction? As a Cadet NPO, you’ll receive specialist training and undertake a nationally recognised qualification while gaining valuable on-the-job skills. The application window for our 2025 Cadet intake is now open. Don’t miss your chance to join our talented team—learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/gM4KUpfM

🎉 A huge welcome to our 21 new powerline and electrical workers who have officially graduated from their apprenticeships! At a graduation ceremony, we proudly presented several awards, including the prestigious Playford Medal, awarded to the top graduating apprentice. 🏆 A massive congratulations to Megan! Other standout winners included Olivia for 1st Year Apprentice, Matthew for 2nd Year Apprentice, and Ty for 3rd Year Apprentice. Well done to all of you! 👏 Our graduates are now working in depots across the state, from Ceduna to Naracoorte, from Port Augusta to Kangaroo Island, serving as incredible ambassadors for both their depots and their communities. Big congratulations on this fantastic achievement!