Release Date: 02 July 2007
Western Power crews continue to repair damage to the network after a series of storm fronts crossed the coast yesterday and today cutting power to several suburbs and regional towns.
The majority of customers affected by yesterday’s storm front have had their power restored, however further bad weather today hampered restoration efforts causing additional damage to the network.
In the south west, there are a significant number of single customer faults and one multiple customer fault which may remain without power over night tonight. The majority of these faults are focused in 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.
In the metropolitan area today power was interrupted at 1.40pm in Lesmurdie (restored), Southern River (restored), Morley/Embleton (150 customers / partially restored) and Mount Hawthorn (115 customers). Crews are currently working in the area to restore power.
At 2pm fault in Brookdale cut power to 3500 customers, power has now been restored.
At 3pm a fault in Sawyers Valley cut power to 2300 customers, and at 3.40pm a fault in Helena Valley cut power to over 200 customers.
Currently 4500 customers are without power across the whole network, 3700 in the metropolitan area, 600 customers in the south west, and 130 customers in the north of Perth. Western Power is anticipating that most of these customers will have power restored today.
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.
If you have any questions regarding this media release please email us: media@westernpower.com.au
Page update on 2 July 2007
