Cover Conductor Thick (CCT) use in High-risk areas

What is changing?

We’ve reviewed Clause 3.5.7 of CEOM7098 Overhead Design Manual to make it more flexible. The use of CCT for new works in P1 bushfire zones is not mandatory and Essential Energy will give due consideration of CCT in these areas and other scenarios.

Essential Energy’s Contestable Planning team will determine if CCT is required at the Design Information stage of your project, and this will be stipulated in your Design Information Pack (DIP). Our decision will be based on cost benefit and risk reduction.

As examples, use of CCT as a risk mitigation measure is appropriate for:

• high bushfire risk areas where the route is heavily treed
• a known history of external contact faults – eg wire strikes from birds or tree limbs
• managing clearances to structures or operational equipment.

When is this changing?

Effective immediately, our planners will commence assessing and determining use of CCT in P1 bushfire risk areas and including the requirement in your DIP.

Our overhead design manual will be updated in mid 2025 to include this new information.

Can I challenge a requirement to use CCT?

If you don’t agree that CCT will deliver sufficient benefits for your project, you can request a review by submitting an Enquiry Application via the Essential Connections Portal. Please provide all relevant information (eg photos of site) and justification for the review in your application.

What do you need to do?

1. Review the above so you can plan designs in high-risk areas
2. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.

Further Information

If you need further information, please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au