Extreme heat day blog – 27 January

7.30pm

Update on power restoration efforts across CitiPower and Powercor

Electricity distributor Powercor and CitiPower is working to restore power to about 27,899 customers as bushfires and record-breaking temperatures create challenging conditions.

The Otway fire has now impacted one of the main powerlines supplying the region, affecting power supply to 2,839 customers in Carlisle River, Lavers Hill, Johanna, Cape Otway, Beech Forrest and Gellibrand.

We are working with emergency services tonight to potentially access the line to assess the damage.

Given the dangerous conditions associated with this active fire, we are unable to provide an estimated restoration time to customers at this stage and advise that it may be days until we can safely begin repairs.

We are continuing to monitor the second powerline and have deployed a generator to support supply in Apollo Bay if required.

Field teams, controllers and other specialists are working throughout the evening to restore power to customers as temperatures remain high.

Today we’ve experienced a range of different faults on the network including weather-related, a vehicle collision and trees falling on lines.

Our networks are designed for hot temperatures but the extreme prolonged heat we are experiencing in some areas is unprecedented. These extreme conditions are placing significant pressure on localised power networks.

When there is significant pressure on the network, built-in safety protections are designed to activate to protect the community and broader network.

Due to the extreme fire danger conditions, we are also operating our systems on our network in more sensitive settings and our crews need to patrol the lines to make sure they are safe before power can be safely restored, which may mean restoration times are longer than usual.

We are keeping customers updated on restoration times via SMS, our outage map and our customer contact centre.

4pm

The ABC is now reporting that Victoria’s all-time temperature record has been broken.

Walpeup has recorded a new statewide maximum of 48.9 degrees Celsius.

1.30pm

We are continuing to monitor the fires in the Otways and working closely with emergency authorities as temperatures soar.

Ahead of this afternoon’s forecast wind gusts, we’ve been taking action to help minimise the impact on electricity assets.

We’ve created clearances around key infrastructure and we’ve also deployed a generator to Apollo Bay that will supply power to a small area along the main shopping area of the town if power is impacted.

We also have extra crews ready to respond if our network is impacted by these fires or today’s extreme weather conditions.

We are asking customers to act now to prepare for potential outages. For more advice visit – www.powercor.com.au/power-outages-and-emergencies/

11.30am

9.30am

Powercor urges Victorians to prepare for extreme temperatures and fire conditions

Powercor is today urging customers to prepare as Victoria braces for extreme fire conditions and severe heat.

Bushfires can impact powerlines and cause power outages that can last longer than usual, as crews need to wait for safe access to firegrounds to begin repairs. Extreme temperatures and high winds can also affect electricity assets and cause localised power outages.

Powercor teams are monitoring fires in the Otway Ranges that are threatening two major distribution powerlines that supply the region. If these lines are damaged or destroyed, power could be affected in towns such as Lavers Hill, Johanna, Wongarra, Forrest, Kennett River, Wye River, Apollo Bay and surrounds.

Powercor Network Emergency Manager Ben Hallett said the fires and ongoing heatwave made it critical for Victorians to include power outages in their emergency planning.

“If bushfires damage or destroy parts of the power network, this will affect power supply to properties and impact equipment that relies on electricity such as electric water pumps,” Ben said. “It may take days or longer for our crews to be able to safely access these sites and repair damaged electrical infrastructure.

“We’re asking everyone to act now – charge devices, prepare backup plans and make sure you’re ready.”

Victorians can prepare by:

• Charging phones and other devices.
• Keeping a battery-powered radio for real-time updates.
• Having a backup plan for life support equipment or if you rely on power to care for someone.
• Signing up for SMS notifications about power supplies: https://www.powercor.com.au/notify

Powercor has activated its emergency response plan, with extra crews, control room operators, dispatchers, customer service specialists and technical experts ready to respond.

“Our priority is community safety. We’ll be running our network on different settings for safe operating on days of Total Fire Ban.” Ben said. “If an outage happens, crews may need to carry out safety checks and line patrols before restoring power, so restoration can take longer than usual.”

Powercor has cancelled all planned work today to ensure resources are available to respond as quickly as possible to outages that may occur.

For more advice on preparing for outages, visit:
https://www.powercor.com.au/power-outages-and-emergencies/

Advice on how to prepare

Be Safe

• Have a back-up plan if you rely on life support equipment or need electrical items to care for others.

• Plan to keep food safe: set your fridge to 5°C or below. An unopened fridge keeps food for about four hours.

• Have plenty of drinking water if your supply relies on power.

• Pre-cool your home or just the rooms you are using to a comfortable temperature.

Be Smart

• Sign up for SMS notifications and choose your preferences: https://www.powercor.com.au/notify

• Download the VicEmergency app and keep emergency numbers handy.

• Know how to connect computers/tablets to your mobile hotspot.

• Back up computer files.

• Know how to open electric garage doors and gates manually.

Be Ready

• Charge mobile phones, laptops and portable batteries.

• If using a generator, ensure it’s fuelled, operational and you know how to use it safely.

• Have a battery-powered radio for real-time news updates.

• Keep battery-powered lamps or torches handy.

• Know where a relief centre may be available within your community.