Energex and Ergon workers power storm repairs

Storm-affected Queenslanders are encouraged to put safety first after more than 90,000 homes and business lost power overnight following one of the worst storms to hit Brisbane in decades.

Minister for Energy and Water Supply Mark McArdle said more than 200 Energex and Ergon Energy crews were working to restore power after 6,000 lightning strikes, winds in excess of 140 kilometres an hour, hail and torrential rain devastated Brisbane.

“This was an astonishing display of power from Mother Nature that brought down more than 600 power lines,” Mr McArdle said.

“In addition to the fantastic work of Energex workers, 22 crews and vehicles were brought in from Ergon Energy’s Toowoomba depot to help.”

Mr McArdle said Energex and Ergon crews worked tirelessly to restore power to homes and businesses, and repair significant damage to power lines.

“Energex set themselves a target of restoring power to 50 per cent of affected customers by lunch time Friday - and they have successfully met that mark,” he said.

Mr McArdle said crews were continuing to work hard to restore supply to homes and business still without power.

“Significant damage was suffered in some areas, particularly around Inala, and certain sections of the electricity network will have to be rebuilt,” he said. 

Energex has a community support van located at Kev Hooper Memorial Park in Inala to provide advice and support to local customers.

“A significant number of large trees will need to be removed from areas such as Taringa, Toowong and St Lucia before power can be restored,” Mr McArdle said.

“I strongly encourage all residents affected by the storms to make safety an absolute priority – keep away from fallen power lines and call Energex on 13 19 62 if you see any wires on the ground.”

“For those still without power, please check that your stove and oven dials are turned off so they will not automatically power up when supply is restored to your home or business,” he said.

“If your fridge has been without power for a considerable amount of time, please visit the Queensland Health website to see whether your food is still safe to eat.”

This information can be found at http://www.health.qld.gov.au/disaster/storms/food-safety.asp

Mr McArdle said that if your home or business was damaged or inundated by water, it was necessary to call a licensed electrician to inspect it before turning the power back on.

[ENDS] 28 November 2014

Media Contact: Ben Maxwell 0437 334 183