Smart technology is helping to safeguard electricity supply reliability for around one million business and domestic customers who depend on the power network across South Wales.

Western Power Distr-ibution (WPD) is spending £1.5 million on new technology in the reg-ion this year and is planning to invest a further £4 million over the next three years.

A significant proportion of this cash is targeted at installing high tech equipment on the network of overhead power lines, making it possible for faults to be fixed remotely. This complements existing computer-based telemetry, which enables WPD control engineers to pinpoint faults centrally from Church Village near Cardiff.

Phil Davies, network services manager for Wales said: "We're committed to investing large sums to make our network across South Wales as reliable as possible.

"Increasing the amo-unt of automation is crucial from a customer service point of view." "Installing remote-control fault switching technology, for instance, means that when overhead power supply failures occur they can be remedied quickly with less inconvenience for our customers.

"This is particularly true in isolated, rural areas."

Mr Davies said his company was also installing extra circuit breakers on its power lines which will effectively create fewer customers per circuit.

When disruptions do occur fewer customers will be affected.

* Pictured: A helicopter inspection is one of the methods currently used to spot faults on pylons