Case studies

2025

CLP Power Enhances Preparedness for Hill Fire Season

When Hong Kong entered the hill fire season, CLP Power implemented a series of measures to safeguard its power infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply, maintaining operational resilience and safe power supply.

Seasonal dry weather and customs such as grave sweeping during Ching Ming Festival heighten the likelihood of fires in rural areas that could damage power facilities. Minimising service disruptions and preventing potential voltage dips require real-time monitoring and rapid response capabilities. Addressing these challenges calls for a robust strategy integrating preventive maintenance, technological innovation, and close coordination with external stakeholders.

CLP Power’s comprehensive preparedness plan focuses on prevention, monitoring, and emergency response. Preventive maintenance in the year included site inspections at hill fire black spots and enhanced vegetation management, including clearing weeds and trimming tree branches near power facilities. Pole cleaning was scheduled at over 400 locations to reduce fire-related risks. Contingency plans were developed to ensure swift action in case of emergencies, supported by additional manpower during high-risk periods such as Ching Ming Festival. Patrols around countryside graveyards were intensified, and extra staff deployed to ensure prompt responses to any incidents. CLP Power also introduced drones for aerial surveillance and Grid-V system for real-time remote monitoring of transmission infrastructure. Collaboration with the Fire Services Department was strengthened by sharing information to facilitate faster location of hill fires near transmission facilities, while safety warnings were posted near hill fire black spots to raise public awareness and encourage preventive behaviour.

A CLP Power worker carried out pole cleaning, removing nearby weeds and tree branches to minimise their impact on power facilities in the case of a hill fire.

CLP Power’s use of technology to enhance its capability to handle hill fires includes real-time remote monitoring by drones.