Ergon crews ready for summer storm season

Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson said today that Ergon Energy was ready for action in the lead up to the summer storm season.

Mr Wilson said the lessons learnt from Cyclone Larry had been incorporated into Ergon Energy's planning for the coming storm season.

“The skills and experience that crews gained during and after Cyclone Larry have been invaluable to the organisation.

“Ergon Energy can now better mobilise its resources to restore electricity as quickly as possible to troublespots.

“More than 600 staff are able to be moved around the state, depending on the scale of the situation.

“Ergon also better understands the resources and rest periods needed by people in the field.

“And it can draw on additional staff for the National Contact Centres in Rockhampton and Townsville to handle public inquiries in peak periods after a natural disaster.”

The Minister said Ergon Energy had already begun a massive investment to upgrade and maintain its distribution network across regional Queensland well before Cyclone Larry struck the coast.

“Ergon Energy is now in the second-year of a five-year capital works program that will provide a $3.2 billion boost to its network,” Mr Wilson said.

“Ergon has also substantially increased its staff as well as contractors to deliver a record maintenance program and is spending a record $80 million on vegetation management.

Mr Wilson said customers also had a role to play in reducing the impact of any storms or cyclones on the electricity supply.

“The best way for residents to help is by clearing any items from their yards. Strong winds can turn a sheet or corrugated iron or a pipe into missiles that can hit power lines, or worse still, people.

“And if people are aware of any tree branches overhanging power lines in their neighbourhood, they should contact Ergon Energy as soon as possible.

“Storms and cyclones can strike at any time during summer. Through Ergon Energy’s efforts and with community support, it is possible to minimise the immediate damage and restore power as quickly as possible,” Mr Wilson said.

Ergon Energy’s Summer Preparedness Plan can be viewed at www.ergon.com.au.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 0438 768 734