Storm Information

 

Electricity Fault and Emergency Numbers

Jemena Electricity Networks (Vic) Ltd (JEN) (North and South West Suburbs) 131 626
United Energy Distribution Ltd (UED) (South East Suburbs and Mornington Peninsula) 132 099

Stay safe both during and after a storm.

• Make sure your children and pets are indoors during storm activity.
• Clear your property of all loose items as these may become a projectile. This means securing or putting away all outdoor furniture, toys and gardening equipment.
• Park your car under cover and away from trees. Fallen limbs can cause extensive damage to vehicles.
• If you are outdoors during storm or wind activity, find a solid structure to shelter under.
• Stay clear of any fallen powerlines and ensure they are reported to your power company. The number for your local provider can be found on your power bill.
• If you experience a power outage use battery operated lanterns instead of candles. If you must use candles, ensure they are in a fire-proof holder and never leave them unattended.
• If you are without power, ensure that all household appliances are switched off before power is returned.
• From www.ses.vic.gov.au

In a life threatening emergency call 000

The below links can also provide further advice and assistance.
Link to Energy Safe Victoria
http://www.esv.vic.gov.au/
State Emergency Services
http://www.ses.vic.gov.au

 

Restoration process

The restoration of power following a storm starts with the largest infrastructure proceeding in an orderly manner outwards to restore power at individual premises.

This process ensures the quickest and safest restoration of the network for all customers.

The process is outlined as per below

• Jemena crews must first assess damage to the network including substations, poles and wires to determine corrective actions. Safety is the number one priority for both the public and our crews.

• Substations must first be restored to enable power to be delivered to local areas and then the restoration of feeder lines that serve large numbers of customers is completed, followed by lines serving neighbourhoods.

• Individual services that are often the most time consuming repairs, are restored last.

 

General Storm Information

Before a storm
People living in areas that are widely and regularly impacted by storms should have a storm preparedness plan in place at all times. If you think there is any likelihood that a storm might affect your power supply, the following tips may be useful:
Ensure mobile phone batteries are fully charged and have a phone with a cord on hand – cordless phone base stations don’t work without electricity
Have a battery-operated radio and lots of batteries on hand
Turn your fridge to its coldest setting. If the power goes out, this will help keep food fresh longer.
Stay indoors as the storm approaches and ensure pets are secured safely under shelter.
If you do suffer an outage turn off and unplug electrical appliances. Leave one light switch turned on so you know when power is restored
If your garage door is electric, ensure you know how to open it manually

During a storm
Stay inside and stay clear of windows and doors
Listen to a portable radio for weather and power updates
Stay well away from fallen powerlines. Always assume they are live and dangerous. Report them immediately to our faults line on the numbers above.
Use a torch to find your way around
Don’t use electrical appliances that are wet or damaged
Don’t use a landline phone during a storm. In emergencies use a mobile phone
If you are without power, turn all power points off at the wall and leave one light switch turned on

After a storm
If your house or business sustains damage preventing the reconnection of power or you are uncertain about what damage might have occurred, have a licensed electrical contractor carry out an inspection and repair any electrical damage.
Notify us on the numbers above when repairs are complete so a crew can be dispatched when available to restore power.
Stay well away from fallen powerlines. Always assume they are live and dangerous. Report them immediately to us on the numbers above
Don’t use any electrical appliances that have been wet or damaged. Have them checked by a licensed electrical contractor.
Take extra care around your switchboard if it is outdoors, wear synthetic or rubber sold shoes. If you are in any doubt about the switchboard’s safety, call your licensed electrical contractor.
Listen to a portable radio for official advice and power restoration information.
Alert neighbours if you think there may be any danger
Don’t connect a portable generator to the electrical wiring of your house or office unless an isolating switch has been permanently installed by a licensed electrical contractor. Appliances can be plugged directly into the generator.