UPDATE: The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has confirmed the scheduled electricity supply interruptions that impacted more than 200,000 Victorian consumers on Friday have concluded, with the power now operating with sufficient reserves.
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AEMO said the interruptions were needed to protect the power system during record-breaking high temperatures, high demand and reduced generation availability.
No further power supply interruptions are expected in the next week, with sufficient reserves forecast.
Woolsthorpe, Grassmere and Mailors Flat are among a group of towns experiencing a forced blackout.
The Australian Energy Market Operator has forced a blackout in Victoria that will impact at least 60,000 customers, lasting up to two hours.
As a result of high temperatures across the state, high demand and reduced generation availability, loss of electricity load to regions has been required to ensure power system security.
Regions affected include Camperdown, Weerite, Woolsthorpe, Grassmere and Mailors Flat.
In the Woolsthorpe/Minjah area more than 300 properties are without power, while in the Camperdown, Boorcan, Noorat area close to 400 homes have no electricity.
AEMO is cutting around 200 megawatts to prevent a state-wide blackout.
Energy Safe Victoria has issued safety advice for households without electricity supply due to load shedding.
Advice includes:
- If supplies have not been restored to homes, householders must not connect generators or perform other electrical work around the home. Such practice is both illegal and dangerous. Electrical work can only be carried out by licensed electricians.
- Households still without power after electricity supply has been restored should seek the help of their network provider. The problem could be a fault in the supply line to the property, or a fault within the property’s electrical installation.
- If there are continuing power supply problems within properties, an electrician licensed by Energy Safe Victoria must be engaged to perform any electrical repair work. Contact a registered electrical contractor. A list of electricians can be found on the ESV ‘Find A Tradie’ tool on our website.
- When there is a power cut, make sure heating and cooking appliances are turned off (there is a risk of fire if they come back on and there is no one at the property,). In the case of emergencies, household are advised to contact their network provider.
