❓ A parliamentary question addresses a prolonged power outage in Harvey, inquiring about the cause, restoration delays, backfeeding options, and compensation for businesses. The response cites weather-related incidents, safety protocols, and ineligibility for compensation beyond extended outage payments.
AnsweredQoN 1969Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the
extended power outage in Harvey on 21 February 2024 from
approximately 11:15am to 8:00pm, and I ask: (a) what was the deemed cause for the power outage
in Harvey and the surrounding areas on the above date; (b) why did restoration
of power supply take so long; (c) why did backfeeding
from the Wagerup Feeder, which was still on and feeding power to half of Harvey
already, not occur once the fault had been located and isolated, even if it was
only to the core businesses in the main street whilst the power feed from
Marriott Rd was being repaired; and (d) is Western Power going
to compensate Harvey businesses for losses occurred that day, and if not, why
not?
extended power outage in Harvey on 21 February 2024 from
approximately 11:15am to 8:00pm, and I ask: (a) what was the deemed cause for the power outage
in Harvey and the surrounding areas on the above date; (b) why did restoration
of power supply take so long; (c) why did backfeeding
from the Wagerup Feeder, which was still on and feeding power to half of Harvey
already, not occur once the fault had been located and isolated, even if it was
only to the core businesses in the main street whilst the power feed from
Marriott Rd was being repaired; and (d) is Western Power going
to compensate Harvey businesses for losses occurred that day, and if not, why
not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
7 May 2024
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Energy
Response time
6 days
1. On 21 February 2024, relative humidity was recorded at up to 100 percent. Pole top fires can occur when moisture in the air combines with a buildup of dust and dirt on insulators. Crews were dealing with more than 90 incidents on that day, of which, more than 50 were classified as hazards, including 31 reported pole top fires.
2. Power supply interruptions impacted around13,000 customers in the Harvey area on 21 February 2024. 12,400 (95 percent) of the customers were restored on that day.
Fourteen Western Power crews responded to faults directly related to this event. Western Power’s operating procedure requires that all hazards must be managed before any attempts of restoration can occur. In some instances, restoration may not be possible until the damaged equipment has been repaired or replaced.
When Western Power crews respond to pole top fires, they have to liaise and co-ordinate with DFES as the area needs to be made electrically safe before fire fighters can extinguish the burning pole.
The elevated number of hazards on the network and the coordination with various parties contributed to restoration times.
3. Back feeding cannot occur safely into protected sections until all reported incidents have been validated and managed in line with Western Power’s operating procedures.
4. No. Western Power recognises the inconvenience of weather induced outages on small businesses and the community. Western Power aims to provide a reliable and high-quality service to customers; however, some outages will always occur. Customers have lost power for more than 12 hours may be eligible to receive an Extended Outage Payment.
2. Power supply interruptions impacted around13,000 customers in the Harvey area on 21 February 2024. 12,400 (95 percent) of the customers were restored on that day.
Fourteen Western Power crews responded to faults directly related to this event. Western Power’s operating procedure requires that all hazards must be managed before any attempts of restoration can occur. In some instances, restoration may not be possible until the damaged equipment has been repaired or replaced.
When Western Power crews respond to pole top fires, they have to liaise and co-ordinate with DFES as the area needs to be made electrically safe before fire fighters can extinguish the burning pole.
The elevated number of hazards on the network and the coordination with various parties contributed to restoration times.
3. Back feeding cannot occur safely into protected sections until all reported incidents have been validated and managed in line with Western Power’s operating procedures.
4. No. Western Power recognises the inconvenience of weather induced outages on small businesses and the community. Western Power aims to provide a reliable and high-quality service to customers; however, some outages will always occur. Customers have lost power for more than 12 hours may be eligible to receive an Extended Outage Payment.
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