University staff are asked to refrain from using portable heaters, and turn off all unnecessary electrical equipment, as major replacement works to the high voltage electrical system occur over the next two weeks.

As part of the University’s 10 year investment in capital infrastructure works on campus, the Buildings and Property team are in the process of renewing Bedford Park’s aging in-ground infrastructure.  Much of this renewal is scheduled to occur during semester breaks to minimise the impact to University operations.

During the next two weeks some major replacement work will occur to the high voltage electrical system.  This will involve temporarily reconfiguring the system to enable the main electrical feeder cable from Sturt Road to be replaced.  This will present some challenges at times of peak electrical demand (8.00am to 5.00pm on weekdays)

In order to keep our campus functioning a number of measures are being implemented:

• the southern feeder cable from SA Power Networks will be used its maximum capacity
• existing diesel powered emergency generators will operate
• additional diesel powered generators will be installed for essential applications
• all non-essential electrical powered plant and equipment will be turned-off
• electrically powered heating and cooling will be closely monitored and controlled.

The electrical supply to the Flinders Bedford Park campus over this period will have an upper limit which cannot be exceeded.  Buildings and Property in conjunction with qualified consultants will be monitoring the electrical load in real time to ensure this does not happen.

In the event of a potential overload, rolling shutdowns of electrical supply may occur to non-essential equipment such as heating systems.  This will be closely monitored and will not impose any impact on work health and safety. However we ask staff to be prepared by wearing sensibly warm clothing, to increase comfort in the unlikely event of a shutdown.

The greatest risk to this operation is the use of portable electrical heaters.  We request that all staff refrain from their use throughout the month of July, and to turn off all unnecessary electrical equipment, appliances and lights.

Your co-operation is appreciated.