Thunderstorms cause mass power outage affecting 24,000 homes, businesses in Geraldton and Mid West

The majority of the almost 25,000 homes and businesses across Geraldton and the Mid West that endured power cuts over the weekend have had power restored after the widespread outage.

For many with power back on, the mass outage lasted more than 24 hours after thunderstorms damaged transmission lines on Saturday night.

However, parts of Geraldton suburbs and towns in the Mid West remain without power.

Households and businesses will be on Monday counting the cost of the power outage in terms of spoilt food close to Christmas and lost revenue.

More than 3000 customers remain without power in Cooljarloo, Dandaragan, Coorow, Hill River, Jurien Bay, Badgingarra, Warradarge, Boothendarra, Eganu, Cervantes, Nambung, Eneabba Green Head and Leeman.

Almost 1000 customers still have no power in Drummond Cover in Glenfield, with more than 500 properties are also still affected in Carnamah, Maya, Marchagee, Waddy Forest, Buntine, Coorow, Eganu, Womarden, Three Springs, Kadathinni and Latham.

Pockets of customers in Webberton, Wonthella, Dongara and elsewhere in the Mid West are also still impacted.

The Opposition says the weekend’s huge outage is another example of power infrastructure in the Mid West being “woefully inadequate”.

Shadow energy minister Steve Thomas said investment in the South West Interconnected System had not kept up with the needs of regional communities.

“The further you get from Perth the less reliable the supply of electricity becomes, and while the Government can’t be blamed for extreme weather events it is responsible for ensuring the transmission system is reliable” Dr Thomas said.

“The lack of reliability that currently exists in places like Geraldton and Kalgoorlie should have resulted in investment in transmission upgrades by a State Government rolling in mining royalty riches.

“Regional Western Australia deserves energy security as much as Perth, and while I acknowledge that nature has a much greater impact in the regions the existing standard of supply represents years of neglect.

“While the Government has announced $1.2 billion for their Clean Energy Link – North project that will upgrade the existing line from Malaga to Three Springs, the line from Three Springs to Geraldton remains woefully inadequate.”

Dr Thomas said the Clean Energy Link – North would connect new proposed windfarms in the Mid Wwest to Perth but would not deliver any benefit to Geraldton.

“The main line through to Geraldton should be a steel pole 330 KV line so that old wooden power poles cannot burn down and let down the Geraldton community,” he said.

Geraldton MLA Kirrilee Warr called for urgent action, saying the weekend’s widespread blackout was “not an isolated incident”.

“They are part of a pattern that regional communities have been dealing with for more than a decade,” she said.

To keep up to date, visit the Western Power outages page: https://www.westernpower.com.au/outages/

HOW POWER OUTAGE UNFOLDED

The mass power outage was reported just after 10pm on Saturday, with Western Power now estimating a restoration time of 8pm on Sunday — up to 22 hours later. The mercury in Geraldton reached 38.5C at 10.08am, but has since dropped to 30.6C at 11am.

As of 2pm, 22,105 customers were without power across Geraldton suburbs and outlying towns and surrounds including Northampton, Port Denison, Dongara, Nabawa and Mullewa.

In addition, 176customers are affected in Kalbarri, with an estimated restoration time of 6pm on Sunday.

There is an estimated restoration time of 8pm for 1041 customers in Buller, Bowes, Yetna, Wonthella, Glenfield, Northampton, Isseka, West Binnu, Moresby, Yallabatharra, Nabawa, Sandy Gully, Waggrakine, White Peak, Howatharra, Woorree, Alma and Oakajee.

It is unknown when power will be back on for 558 customers without power in Carnamah, Maya, Marchagee, Waddy Forest, Buntine, Coorow, Eganu, Womarden, Three Springs, Kadathinni and Latham.

Western Power says severe thunderstorms have caused increased fault levels in Geraldton and surrounding areas, which may lead to extended outages.

The overnight thunderstorm impact two transmission lines.

A Western Power spokesperson said work was underway to restore power safely and as quickly as possible.

“We’ve deployed crews and a helicopter patrol is undertaking technical inspections to determine the cause of the outage. Once identified we’ll work swiftly and safely to repair the fault,” they said.

“Due to planned maintenance, the Mungarra Power Station is not available. Synergy teams are on site completing the maintenance activities as soon as possible.

“We’ve deployed emergency response generators to power essential infrastructure the region, these are expected to arrive and be connected by late afternoon.”

The spokesperson said given the large area that needed to be patrolled and resources required, there might be some customers who remain without power for an extended period. Those affected customers will be contacted via SMS so they can plan accordingly.

“We are communicating with customers directly impacted via SMS with information and updates including estimated restoration times, our response efforts, and the cause,” they said.

“We thank the community for their understanding as we work to resolve the fault.”

Most service stations and many supermarkets in Geraldton are closed on Sunday, with big lines of vehicles queuing up at the handful of outlets where fuel is available.

In a social media post, Mid West-Gascoyne Police said all relevant government agencies were responding and working to resolve the issue. Police and emergency services are booting their patrols.

Mobile phone coverage may be affected in these areas, while major hospitals are operational.

“Emergency services are urging affected communities to look out for each other. Check on vulnerable neighbours and community members,” police posted.

“If you have a vulnerable family member, friend, neighbour, or co-worker, you may consider offering them support until the outage has been resolved.”

A respite centre has been opened for the community at the Queen Elizabeth II Community Centre located at 88 Durlacher St. The centre will be open to 5pm.

Anyone who sees a fallen power line are urged to stay eight metres away and call Western Power on the emergency 24/7 number 13 13 51 so that emergency response crews can attend the hazard to make the area safe.

To keep up to date, visit the Western Power outages page: https://www.westernpower.com.au/outages/

To make an extended outage claim, go to https://www.westernpower.com.au/issues-enquiries/make-a-claim/extended-outage/