23 January 2024
As a cyclone brews in the Coral Sea, Ergon Energy Network is urging North Queenslanders to be prepared for power outages and prioritise electrical safety.
General Manager Field Delivery Northern Chris Hooper said recent severe weather events were a reminder of what to expect and plan for.
“We can start to see the impacts of a cyclone well before it crosses the coast as winds pick up and bring down trees, branches and other debris into powerlines, so you should be prepared for prolonged power interruptions.
“Storm surges and flooding also have the potential to impact the underground power network.
“Cyclone Jasper demonstrated how severe and widespread the damage to infrastructure can be and how long repairs can take, so it pays to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.
“Think about how your household can function without power for a week or more and get your storm kit ready, especially if you rely on powered medical equipment,” he said.
Mr Hooper said Ergon crews would be ready to roll as soon as weather conditions allowed, but flooding was likely to impede access to some sites and delay damage assessment, network repairs and power restoration.
“The unpredictable nature of cyclones means that we are always prepared for a range of scenarios, and we have crews, vehicles and equipment on standby in strategic locations to ensure we are ready to respond when and where we are required.
“Queenslanders can rest assured we’ve got their back as we’ve shown time after time when natural disasters strike, but this is an unpredictable event and the best thing you can do is be as prepared as possible on the home front.
“Safety remains our number one priority and we encourage everyone to check out our tips for staying safe in severe weather before the cyclone hits,” Mr Hooper.