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Major Storm Front Could Affect Power Supplies
25 June 2008
The Bureau of Meteorology have forecast winds strengthening to 60 to 80 kph with gusts to over 90 kph later today. Winds speeds are already picking up along the coast at present. Ahead of the front, which is due between 9 to 10pm, wind speeds are expected to gust to over 130 kph and with the passage of the front the wind will shift Westerly 60 to 80 kph with possible gusts in excess of 100km/hr.
Given the severity of this weather the Powercor and CitiPower Control Rooms will be escalating a Whole of Business response, and invoking resource, communications and operational plans to restore supply to affected areas safely and quickly, while keeping customers informed with real time updates.
Electricity safety regulator, Energy Safe Victoria, provides the following advice for households who lose power during the storm.
- When outdoors, keep clear of fallen power lines and make sure others do the same. This includes keeping clear of trees and other things in contact with fallen power lines
- Listen to a portable radio for weather and power updates
- Do not try to connect generators or do other electrical work. Always engage an electrician licensed by Energy Safe Victoria.
- Be very careful with candles or other open flames. Use a torch if you have one.
- Ensure heating and cooling appliances are turned off (if they come back on and there is no one at the property fires could eventuate.) Leave one light on so that you know when power returns.