The ACT was soaked overnight. Photo: ACT ESA.
Severe storms have caused extensive damage to Canberra’s electricity network, seeing Evoenergy crews work through the night to get the lights back on.
At the peak of the overnight storm on Wednesday (1 July), about 9000 customers were without power.
The severe weather brought down trees and branches across Canberra, resulting in fallen power lines and damage to overhead electricity infrastructure in multiple regions.
About 280 customers were still in the dark as of 8:20 am on Thursday (2 July), mainly in the Hall, Flynn, Melba and Evatt areas for Canberra’s north and Hughes, Rivett, Chapman and Duffy in the south.
“Our crews worked through difficult conditions overnight to restore power to thousands of customers,” Evoenergy capability, standards and assurance manager Bronwen Butterfield said.
“Today they’re continuing repairs across the network so we can safely reconnect those customers still without supply,”
The severe weather brought down trees and branches across Canberra, which in turn brought down powerlines and damaged overhead electricity infrastructure.
Planned work has been deferred where possible, with additional crews and contractors deployed to support restoration efforts and restore power to people as quickly and safely as possible.
“We expect to identify more storm damage throughout the day as crews inspect the network and members of the community report hazards, including trees on powerlines, in their streets and backyards,” Ms Butterfield said.
“As we gain a clearer picture of the damage, we’ll continue updating estimated restoration times on our website.
“We thank our community for their cooperation as we repair the network.”
Evoenergy has reminded Canberrans to stay at least 10 metres away from any fallen or low powerlines, as well as anything they’re touching. Always treat powerlines as live.
We’re all encouraged to check on our neighbours, family and friends who might need help while their power remains off.
Network damage can be reported by calling 13 10 93.
SES received 30 calls overnight and is out with ACT Fire & Rescue and City and Environment Directorate crews today cleaning up the roads.