Case Study Powercor: FireMesh strengthening network resilience across Victoria13 Apr, 2026 Key project statistics
As bushfire intensity and frequency continue to rise across Australia, electricity networks are under increasing pressure to maintain reliability in high-risk environments. For CitiPower and Powercor, the challenge was clear: how to better protect a vast network of more than 250,000 wooden power poles without the cost and disruption of large-scale infrastructure replacement. TEN partnered with CitiPower and Powercor to deliver a practical, scalable solution. FireMesh is an advanced fire-retardant mesh designed specifically for protecting wooden poles in bushfire-prone regions. The challenge Victoria’s regional network is particularly exposed to fast-moving grass and scrub fires. These lower-intensity fires can still cause significant damage at ground level, compromising pole integrity and leading to outages that impact entire communities. Traditional mitigation methods such as pole replacement with concrete are effective but expensive and not always feasible across large geographic areas. CitiPower and Powercor needed a solution that could be rapidly deployed, cost-effective, and capable of improving network resilience without major infrastructure overhaul. The solution: FireMesh TEN worked closely with Powercor to introduce FireMesh technology into the Victorian market for the first time. Designed to wrap around the base of wooden poles, FireMesh provides a dynamic layer of protection. Under normal conditions, the mesh allows the pole to ventilate naturally, preventing moisture build-up and maintaining structural integrity. When exposed to heat, however, the material reacts—expanding and forming a hardened barrier that shields the pole from flames and embers. This responsive behaviour makes FireMesh particularly effective against grass fires, where radiant heat and ember attack are the primary threats. “Working closely with Powercor, our focus was on delivering a solution that could be deployed at scale without compromising performance. FireMesh gives utilities a practical way to strengthen network resilience against bushfire risk and protecting critical assets while keeping costs and disruption down. It’s about giving our clients smarter options to manage risk and maintain reliability when it matters most.” said Lindsay Taylor, Group Business Development Manager, TEN Deployment and trials Initial controlled installation trials were conducted at CitPower and Powercor’s Ballarat depot, validating both the application process and product performance. Following successful testing, field trials were rolled out across high-risk locations including the Grampians, Maryborough and areas west of Ballarat. These regions were selected based on historical fire impact and exposure, ensuring the FireMesh solution was tested in conditions where it could deliver the greatest value. Results and impact FireMesh provides a significant step forward in pole protection strategy:
For CitiPower and Powercor, this creates a flexible pathway to strengthen network resilience while balancing investment and operational constraints. TEN as a solutions partner This project highlights TEN’s role beyond supply and working as a true solutions partner. By understanding the operational challenges faced by utilities and introducing proven, innovative technologies like FireMesh, TEN helps clients adapt to evolving risk environments. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, FireMesh complements existing strategies such as concrete pole deployment, giving network operators more options to protect assets based on location, risk profile and budget. Looking ahead With regulatory approval pending for broader rollout, FireMesh has the potential to play a key role in Powercor’s long-term network resilience strategy through to 2031 and beyond. As extreme weather events become more frequent, solutions like FireMesh will be critical in keeping power on for regional communities when it matters most.
Contact TEN to find out more about this groundbreaking product.
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