Energex crews work around the clock to restore power

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said more than 200,000 homes and businesses hit by Sunday night’s violent storm have had their power supply restored by Energex crews.

Minister Wilson said more than 95% of households and businesses that lost power during the storm now had their supply reconnected.

“There are still around 7500 homes and businesses without supply and Energex is working around the clock to restore power as quickly and safely as possible,” he said.

“Today, there are 176 Energex crews in the field. They followed more than 250 crews that worked throughout the night. In the past two days, more than 1500 crews have been out and about in difficult conditions, repairing power lines and restoring supply.

“It’s not a 9 to 5 job; it can be hazardous and for that we owe them our thanks.

“What happened on Sunday night brought home to me once more, that when summer storms strike, it’s not a matter of if we lose power, but when.

“An Energex worker summed it up for me when he said it was the worst storm he’d encountered in over a quarter of a century.

“More than 6,000 lightning strikes were recorded at the height of the storm with wind gusts up to 130 kilometres an hour, heavy rain and hail.

“It was a potent mix and it cut a devastating path of destruction across parts of the south east, bringing down 33 kilometres of powerlines,” he said.

The Energex customer contact centre has received more than 100,000 calls.

“Energex is hoping to have power restored later tonight to the bulk of the remaining homes and businesses. There will be a longer wait for some households and that’s simply because it’s unsafe for workers.

“I know what they’re going through. It’s a dreadful experience and my heart goes out to them,” he said.

Minister Wilson said Energex was rolling out mobile generators, placing them in strategic locations as the network repairs continue.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819