We're taking a different approach in Australia (the state of Victoria specifically), and not only are we replacing bare wire overheads with buried cables [0], w

We're taking a different approach in Australia (the state of Victoria specifically), and not only are we replacing bare wire overheads with buried cables [0], we are also implementing Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiter (REFCL) technology to lower the risk of bushfires due to downed wires. [1] When powerlines come into contact with the ground or a tree, arcing can occur. If the line remains live and continues arcing, the risk of fire is quite high. REFCL tech works by detecting the phase-to-earth faults that occur when a one of the three-phase powerlines breaks and falls to the ground. REFL instantly reduces the voltage on the fallen line, and boosts the voltage on the other two phases. REFCL will then test the faulted line after a few seconds, and if the fault was intermittent full service is restored. If not, the whole line is removed from service to prevent fires and make the line safe to work on. On Total Fire Ban days (very high risk of fire due to weather conditions), the REFCL settings operate at increased sensitivity. There's a requirement in Victoria that by 2023 all high risk zone substations have to install REFCL technology, and all HV customers connected to those zone subs have to be REFCL compliant (their equipment must be able to handle the over-voltages that occur during REFCL operation). [0] https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/electricity/powerline-replacement/powerline-bushfire-safety-program/network-assets-program/high-voltage-network-assets-program https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/electricity/powerline-replacem... [1] https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/safety-and-emergencies/powerline-bushfire-safety-program/network-assets-program/rapid-earth-fault-current-limiter-refcl https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/safety-and-emergencies/powerli...