Morning muster for electricity workers at Rocky Army Barracks

Up to 400 electricity workers from Ergon Energy and Energex will meet at the Army Barracks in Rockhampton this morning before heading out to restore further power supplies to affected households and businesses in the cyclone-hit region.

Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports, and Minister for Energy and Water Supply, Mark Bailey, said the crews were in good spirits and well-equipped for the task ahead.

“They’ve worked hard to get power reconnected as quickly as possible to the many thousands of households and businesses affected by the cyclone and I commend them on their efforts,” Mr Bailey said.

The Minister said almost 90 percent of customers have had their power supply restored since the cyclone crossed the coast last Saturday.

“Power has been restored to almost all urban areas. However, around 500 properties still need to be made safe by a licensed electrical contractor before Ergon can safely restore power supplies,” he said.

Ergon Energy is working closely with Master Electricians Australia, which has established a special hotline – 1399 899 198 - to help affected households and businesses connect with the nearest available contractor.

“The restoration of power supplies has been challenging on a number of fronts. Workers have faced difficulties gaining access to a number of areas due to fallen trees and cyclone debris. The region copped a battering from the category five cyclone, which caused significant damage to the electricity network,” he said.

Some feeders in outlying areas of Rockhampton and Yeppoon, including Sleidner, Alton Downs, Bouldercombe, Stanwell, Water Park, Keppel Sands and Rockhampton Road, between Rockhampton and Yeppoon, are expected to be restored over the weekend.

The Australian Defence Force has stepped in, preparing the way for Ergon to install one of their high voltage Pegasus generation units at Byfield. Earlier this week, another Pegasus unit was installed at Marlborough to maintain supply for residents and businesses in the area.

Ergon Energy is encouraging those customers without power, who observe neighbours with power supplies restored, to contact 13 22 96 and log an individual fault for their premises.

“It’s been a difficult job for Ergon Energy workers, but they have risen to the challenge, ably assisted by their city cousins, Energex, in these exceptional circumstances. Together, they were ready to face the worst that nature has thrown at the state’s electricity network,” he said.

(See attachment: Pic of Pegasus unit)

Media Contact:       Minister’s Office   0438 768 734