More than 1400 Victorian households will be stuck without power until July 10 after devastating storms left a colossal path of damage.
More than 3000 Victorian households left without power after last week’s “unprecedented” storm will be reconnected in the next 36 hours, however others will have to wait until next month.
The July 9 storm left a colossal path of damage, felling trees and power lines, leaving thousands of homes without electricity.
Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said utility AusNet had advised that 3172 would be reconnected by the end of this weekend.
That came with a caveat, however: with high winds expected for parts of the Dandenong Ranges, more trees weakened by the storm could come down and take down more power lines.
Ms D’Ambrosio said an additional 186 households would be reconnected by Friday, but 1450 would remain off supply until July 10.
Some of those residents are being offered 8kW generators – sufficient to power some lights and a small heater – to restore some comfort to their homes while they wait.
Bunnings provided 100 of the 200 that are available.
Fuel, a jerry can, leads and importantly, safety instructions are also being included.
More than 4000 Victorians suffering the prolonged power outage are being offered a payment of $1680.
Ms D’Ambrosio said AusNet had already approved and validated 100 applications.
“You don’t have to wait for AusNet to send you a text message … you can get on their website any time,” she said.
Six advice warnings have been issued for minor flooding after significant rainfall overnight, with up to 46mm falling in some areas.
