Release Date: 02 July 2007
Secondary storm fronts have crossed the coast again today causing damage to Western Power’s network in several suburbs and regional towns.
Western Power crews were able to restore power to more than 95 per cent of customers affected by yesterday’s storm front, however further bad weather today has hampered restoration efforts causing additional damage to the network.
The front that crossed the coast at 1pm today caused a branch to blow into powerlines in Gosnells cutting power to approximately 7000 customers. Power has now been restored.
At 1.40pm today power was interrupted in Lesmurdie (400 customers), Southern River (230 customers), Morley/Embleton (150 customers) and Mount Hawthorn (115 customers). Crews have been dispatched to the area to asses the damage and restore power.
Currently less than 1500 customers in the south west, and less than 200 customers in the north of Perth are without power.
At the peak 22,000 people were without power after the storm passed across the coast yesterday.
The majority of faults were caused by debris blowing into powerlines or wind gusts bringing down powerlines.
Western Power is urging people who come across any fallen powerlines to assume they are live, stay clear and report it to Western Power on 13 13 51.
With flooding also an issue in some areas it is also important to stay clear of any damaged poles or powerlines and to keep clear of pools of water that may be in contact with wires.
Western Power asks customers to report dangerous faults or power interruptions on 13 13 51.
The major affected areas that Western Power is working on to restore include - (please note this is not an exhaustive list but the main area’s of work underway)
Power is expected to be restored to most customers by the end of today depending on the weather.
In the south west, there are a significant number of single customer faults which will remain without power over night. These areas include Bridgetown, Nanup and Manjimup.
Western Power has diverted crews from Albany, Narrogin and the metropolitan area to assist with the restoration efforts in this area. Every effort is being taken to have these homes restored as soon as possible.
If you have any questions regarding this media release please email us: media@westernpower.com.au
Page update on 2 July 2007
