❓ Question regarding Western Power's inconsistent explanations and compensation for power surge damage in Spalding compared to Mohomets Flats after a lightning strike. The answer clarifies the timeline of Western Power's investigation and rationale for denying compensation in Spalding due to no negligence.
AnsweredQoN 515Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
On 16 May 2004 the suburb of Spalding, in Geraldton, experienced a power surge that destroyed a range of electrical goods. Residents who contacted Western Power that day were told that the cause of the power surge was a faulty wire in a power pole, and Western Power confirmed this to a reporter at the ABC. Indeed, Western Power mailed out compensation forms. However, when residents of Spalding applied for compensation, they were told that Western Power was no longer liable for the fault because it had been due to a lightning strike. Ironically, residents in the adjoining suburb of Mohomets Flats were paid out. Will the minister advise - (1) Why did Western Power change its story? (2) When will Spalding residents receive compensation for their damaged electrical goods; and, if they will not receive compensation, why not? Hon KIM CHANCE
AnswerView source ↗
To give the minister’s voice a rest, I have elected to answer the question on his behalf. (1)-(2) When the first reports of the Spalding incident were received, it was unclear what had caused one of the conductors in Lawley Street to break and an investigation was under way. The note faxed to the ABC in Geraldton shortly before 11.00 am on 17 May 2004 referred to the investigation that was then under way. It invited affected residents to fill out compensation claim forms that could be assessed when the investigation was completed. As soon as the investigation was completed, another note was prepared for the local Geraldton media on 19 May 2004 explaining that the conductor had broken as the result of a lightning strike some 12 hours earlier. It also advised that, on this basis, there had been no negligence by Western Power; therefore, it was not liable to pay compensation for appliances damaged by the incident. At Mohomets Flats, a transformer in McAleer Drive took a direct lightning hit on the morning of Sunday, 16 May 2004 and was replaced. Although the new transformer was installed correctly, high voltage entered about 50 nearby homes on Tuesday, 18 May 2004. Western Power investigations found the replacement transformer was faulty. Western Power accepted responsibility and agreed to repair electrical appliances in those homes affected by the high voltage.
(1) Why did Western Power change its story? (2) When will Spalding residents receive compensation for their damaged electrical goods; and, if they will not receive compensation, why not? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: To give the minister’s voice a rest, I have elected to answer the question on his behalf. (1)-(2) When the first reports of the Spalding incident were received, it was unclear what had caused one of the conductors in Lawley Street to break and an investigation was under way. The note faxed to the ABC in Geraldton shortly before 11.00 am on 17 May 2004 referred to the investigation that was then under way. It invited affected residents to fill out compensation claim forms that could be assessed when the investigation was completed. As soon as the investigation was completed, another note was prepared for the local Geraldton media on 19 May 2004 explaining that the conductor had broken as the result of a lightning strike some 12 hours earlier. It also advised that, on this basis, there had been no negligence by Western Power; therefore, it was not liable to pay compensation for appliances damaged by the incident. At Mohomets Flats, a transformer in McAleer Drive took a direct lightning hit on the morning of Sunday, 16 May 2004 and was replaced. Although the new transformer was installed correctly, high voltage entered about 50 nearby homes on Tuesday, 18 May 2004. Western Power investigations found the replacement transformer was faulty. Western Power accepted responsibility and agreed to repair electrical appliances in those homes affected by the high voltage.
(2) When will Spalding residents receive compensation for their damaged electrical goods; and, if they will not receive compensation, why not? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: To give the minister’s voice a rest, I have elected to answer the question on his behalf. (1)-(2) When the first reports of the Spalding incident were received, it was unclear what had caused one of the conductors in Lawley Street to break and an investigation was under way. The note faxed to the ABC in Geraldton shortly before 11.00 am on 17 May 2004 referred to the investigation that was then under way. It invited affected residents to fill out compensation claim forms that could be assessed when the investigation was completed. As soon as the investigation was completed, another note was prepared for the local Geraldton media on 19 May 2004 explaining that the conductor had broken as the result of a lightning strike some 12 hours earlier. It also advised that, on this basis, there had been no negligence by Western Power; therefore, it was not liable to pay compensation for appliances damaged by the incident. At Mohomets Flats, a transformer in McAleer Drive took a direct lightning hit on the morning of Sunday, 16 May 2004 and was replaced. Although the new transformer was installed correctly, high voltage entered about 50 nearby homes on Tuesday, 18 May 2004. Western Power investigations found the replacement transformer was faulty. Western Power accepted responsibility and agreed to repair electrical appliances in those homes affected by the high voltage.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: To give the minister’s voice a rest, I have elected to answer the question on his behalf. (1)-(2) When the first reports of the Spalding incident were received, it was unclear what had caused one of the conductors in Lawley Street to break and an investigation was under way. The note faxed to the ABC in Geraldton shortly before 11.00 am on 17 May 2004 referred to the investigation that was then under way. It invited affected residents to fill out compensation claim forms that could be assessed when the investigation was completed. As soon as the investigation was completed, another note was prepared for the local Geraldton media on 19 May 2004 explaining that the conductor had broken as the result of a lightning strike some 12 hours earlier. It also advised that, on this basis, there had been no negligence by Western Power; therefore, it was not liable to pay compensation for appliances damaged by the incident. At Mohomets Flats, a transformer in McAleer Drive took a direct lightning hit on the morning of Sunday, 16 May 2004 and was replaced. Although the new transformer was installed correctly, high voltage entered about 50 nearby homes on Tuesday, 18 May 2004. Western Power investigations found the replacement transformer was faulty. Western Power accepted responsibility and agreed to repair electrical appliances in those homes affected by the high voltage.
To give the minister’s voice a rest, I have elected to answer the question on his behalf. (1)-(2) When the first reports of the Spalding incident were received, it was unclear what had caused one of the conductors in Lawley Street to break and an investigation was under way. The note faxed to the ABC in Geraldton shortly before 11.00 am on 17 May 2004 referred to the investigation that was then under way. It invited affected residents to fill out compensation claim forms that could be assessed when the investigation was completed. As soon as the investigation was completed, another note was prepared for the local Geraldton media on 19 May 2004 explaining that the conductor had broken as the result of a lightning strike some 12 hours earlier. It also advised that, on this basis, there had been no negligence by Western Power; therefore, it was not liable to pay compensation for appliances damaged by the incident. At Mohomets Flats, a transformer in McAleer Drive took a direct lightning hit on the morning of Sunday, 16 May 2004 and was replaced. Although the new transformer was installed correctly, high voltage entered about 50 nearby homes on Tuesday, 18 May 2004. Western Power investigations found the replacement transformer was faulty. Western Power accepted responsibility and agreed to repair electrical appliances in those homes affected by the high voltage.
(1)-(2) When the first reports of the Spalding incident were received, it was unclear what had caused one of the conductors in Lawley Street to break and an investigation was under way. The note faxed to the ABC in Geraldton shortly before 11.00 am on 17 May 2004 referred to the investigation that was then under way. It invited affected residents to fill out compensation claim forms that could be assessed when the investigation was completed. As soon as the investigation was completed, another note was prepared for the local Geraldton media on 19 May 2004 explaining that the conductor had broken as the result of a lightning strike some 12 hours earlier. It also advised that, on this basis, there had been no negligence by Western Power; therefore, it was not liable to pay compensation for appliances damaged by the incident. At Mohomets Flats, a transformer in McAleer Drive took a direct lightning hit on the morning of Sunday, 16 May 2004 and was replaced. Although the new transformer was installed correctly, high voltage entered about 50 nearby homes on Tuesday, 18 May 2004. Western Power investigations found the replacement transformer was faulty. Western Power accepted responsibility and agreed to repair electrical appliances in those homes affected by the high voltage.
At Mohomets Flats, a transformer in McAleer Drive took a direct lightning hit on the morning of Sunday, 16 May 2004 and was replaced. Although the new transformer was installed correctly, high voltage entered about 50 nearby homes on Tuesday, 18 May 2004. Western Power investigations found the replacement transformer was faulty. Western Power accepted responsibility and agreed to repair electrical appliances in those homes affected by the high voltage.
(1) Why did Western Power change its story? (2) When will Spalding residents receive compensation for their damaged electrical goods; and, if they will not receive compensation, why not? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: To give the minister’s voice a rest, I have elected to answer the question on his behalf. (1)-(2) When the first reports of the Spalding incident were received, it was unclear what had caused one of the conductors in Lawley Street to break and an investigation was under way. The note faxed to the ABC in Geraldton shortly before 11.00 am on 17 May 2004 referred to the investigation that was then under way. It invited affected residents to fill out compensation claim forms that could be assessed when the investigation was completed. As soon as the investigation was completed, another note was prepared for the local Geraldton media on 19 May 2004 explaining that the conductor had broken as the result of a lightning strike some 12 hours earlier. It also advised that, on this basis, there had been no negligence by Western Power; therefore, it was not liable to pay compensation for appliances damaged by the incident. At Mohomets Flats, a transformer in McAleer Drive took a direct lightning hit on the morning of Sunday, 16 May 2004 and was replaced. Although the new transformer was installed correctly, high voltage entered about 50 nearby homes on Tuesday, 18 May 2004. Western Power investigations found the replacement transformer was faulty. Western Power accepted responsibility and agreed to repair electrical appliances in those homes affected by the high voltage.
(2) When will Spalding residents receive compensation for their damaged electrical goods; and, if they will not receive compensation, why not? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: To give the minister’s voice a rest, I have elected to answer the question on his behalf. (1)-(2) When the first reports of the Spalding incident were received, it was unclear what had caused one of the conductors in Lawley Street to break and an investigation was under way. The note faxed to the ABC in Geraldton shortly before 11.00 am on 17 May 2004 referred to the investigation that was then under way. It invited affected residents to fill out compensation claim forms that could be assessed when the investigation was completed. As soon as the investigation was completed, another note was prepared for the local Geraldton media on 19 May 2004 explaining that the conductor had broken as the result of a lightning strike some 12 hours earlier. It also advised that, on this basis, there had been no negligence by Western Power; therefore, it was not liable to pay compensation for appliances damaged by the incident. At Mohomets Flats, a transformer in McAleer Drive took a direct lightning hit on the morning of Sunday, 16 May 2004 and was replaced. Although the new transformer was installed correctly, high voltage entered about 50 nearby homes on Tuesday, 18 May 2004. Western Power investigations found the replacement transformer was faulty. Western Power accepted responsibility and agreed to repair electrical appliances in those homes affected by the high voltage.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: To give the minister’s voice a rest, I have elected to answer the question on his behalf. (1)-(2) When the first reports of the Spalding incident were received, it was unclear what had caused one of the conductors in Lawley Street to break and an investigation was under way. The note faxed to the ABC in Geraldton shortly before 11.00 am on 17 May 2004 referred to the investigation that was then under way. It invited affected residents to fill out compensation claim forms that could be assessed when the investigation was completed. As soon as the investigation was completed, another note was prepared for the local Geraldton media on 19 May 2004 explaining that the conductor had broken as the result of a lightning strike some 12 hours earlier. It also advised that, on this basis, there had been no negligence by Western Power; therefore, it was not liable to pay compensation for appliances damaged by the incident. At Mohomets Flats, a transformer in McAleer Drive took a direct lightning hit on the morning of Sunday, 16 May 2004 and was replaced. Although the new transformer was installed correctly, high voltage entered about 50 nearby homes on Tuesday, 18 May 2004. Western Power investigations found the replacement transformer was faulty. Western Power accepted responsibility and agreed to repair electrical appliances in those homes affected by the high voltage.
To give the minister’s voice a rest, I have elected to answer the question on his behalf. (1)-(2) When the first reports of the Spalding incident were received, it was unclear what had caused one of the conductors in Lawley Street to break and an investigation was under way. The note faxed to the ABC in Geraldton shortly before 11.00 am on 17 May 2004 referred to the investigation that was then under way. It invited affected residents to fill out compensation claim forms that could be assessed when the investigation was completed. As soon as the investigation was completed, another note was prepared for the local Geraldton media on 19 May 2004 explaining that the conductor had broken as the result of a lightning strike some 12 hours earlier. It also advised that, on this basis, there had been no negligence by Western Power; therefore, it was not liable to pay compensation for appliances damaged by the incident. At Mohomets Flats, a transformer in McAleer Drive took a direct lightning hit on the morning of Sunday, 16 May 2004 and was replaced. Although the new transformer was installed correctly, high voltage entered about 50 nearby homes on Tuesday, 18 May 2004. Western Power investigations found the replacement transformer was faulty. Western Power accepted responsibility and agreed to repair electrical appliances in those homes affected by the high voltage.
(1)-(2) When the first reports of the Spalding incident were received, it was unclear what had caused one of the conductors in Lawley Street to break and an investigation was under way. The note faxed to the ABC in Geraldton shortly before 11.00 am on 17 May 2004 referred to the investigation that was then under way. It invited affected residents to fill out compensation claim forms that could be assessed when the investigation was completed. As soon as the investigation was completed, another note was prepared for the local Geraldton media on 19 May 2004 explaining that the conductor had broken as the result of a lightning strike some 12 hours earlier. It also advised that, on this basis, there had been no negligence by Western Power; therefore, it was not liable to pay compensation for appliances damaged by the incident. At Mohomets Flats, a transformer in McAleer Drive took a direct lightning hit on the morning of Sunday, 16 May 2004 and was replaced. Although the new transformer was installed correctly, high voltage entered about 50 nearby homes on Tuesday, 18 May 2004. Western Power investigations found the replacement transformer was faulty. Western Power accepted responsibility and agreed to repair electrical appliances in those homes affected by the high voltage.
At Mohomets Flats, a transformer in McAleer Drive took a direct lightning hit on the morning of Sunday, 16 May 2004 and was replaced. Although the new transformer was installed correctly, high voltage entered about 50 nearby homes on Tuesday, 18 May 2004. Western Power investigations found the replacement transformer was faulty. Western Power accepted responsibility and agreed to repair electrical appliances in those homes affected by the high voltage.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.