This presentation will focus on how, by transitioning to composite poles, Essential Energy is building a stronger, more resilient network that reduces outages, shortens restoration times, and delivers safer, more reliable electricity for the customers and communities we serve, when they need it most.
Managing 1.4 million poles and replacing more than 9,000 end-of-life assets each year, Essential Energy is future-proofing one of Australia’s largest distribution networks.
An ageing timber pole fleet, constrained supply and escalating climate risk drove a decisive transition to composite poles. With one in five poles in bushfire-prone areas, composite materials strengthen resilience, improve survivability, reduce outages and accelerate restoration, thereby safeguarding customer outcomes and network reliability.
Part of the Asset Management in Action Webinar Series – showcasing submissions from the 2026 Excellence Awards.
Click here to register
Deepak Pais is the Manager Engineering – Network Standards at Essential Energy. He is a Chartered Professional Engineer and Fellow of the Institute of Engineers Australia with 24 years of experience in Asset Management and Engineering across electricity and manufacturing sectors. Deepak is responsible for Essential Energy’s design, construction and maintenance standards, asset failure investigations, material testing, quality assurance and material supply contracts. He has delivered on industry leading initiatives on new material technologies and standards that have improved network safety, reliability and value for money outcomes for customers. Recognised in the industry for his technical and commercial acumen, Deepak’s work has contributed to network hardening and resilience to better manage climate change impacts. Deepak actively contributes to several industry committees like CIGRE, Standards Australia, Energy Networks Association and has served as the Chair of the Distribution Industry Working Group. He is also an educator having trained many industry professionals over the last 14 years in a range of electrical engineering topics. He has been the recipient of ‘Award for Excellence in Teaching and Professional Training’ on two occasions recognising his contributions to quality Engineering education that focuses on industry best practice.
