By Rowan Forster
One of Pakenham’s major industrial areas has been thrown into chaos, with a pre-planned Ausnet service outage reportedly costing local businesses up to $100,000 in lost revenue.
Dozens of factories surrounding Purton Road plunged into darkness on Thursday, with many forced to close their doors.
While the blackout was arranged prior, landlords were only notified by post – and some claim to have never received the correspondence.
Among the businesses affected included Dollar Sweets Company, Trik Trailers, Robert Gordon Australia and the Europa Cheese Factory.
The Australian-owned Dollar Sweets Company, which supplies major retail chains with confectionary, is among those slated to lose income in the five figure mark.
Without electricity, the factory had to close.
General manager of Trik Trailers Joe Haverkamp said it was “extremely ridiculous” that the outage had been arranged so close to Christmas.
He was only made aware of the outage on Wednesday, 24 hours prior.
“If they’re prepared to cut the power now – at the busiest time of the year – then they’ll do it anytime,” he said.
“It’s costing everyone money; this place is a ghost town.
“It’s just crazy.
“The guys next door even contacted the ombudsman and the local member, but to no avail.”
In an attempt to continue working, Mr Haverkamp connected a portable generator to his office – providing just enough power to use a computer.
He, and the few staff remaining, worked in the darkness.
“I’ve got no staff today because we can’t power any of the machinery and we can’t even turn the lights on,” Mr Haverkamp added.
According to Ausnet, the outage was required to undertake “routine maintenance”.
A tradesman working at a site on Mulcahy Road took exception with the lack of consultation.
“We can’t really get any work done, and it just mucks everybody around – so close to Christmas too,” he said.
“It would have been nice if they consulted with the businesses and selected a time of least convenience, rather than just forcing it.”
Ausnet maintains that 30 properties have been affected; however, Mr Haverkamp claims the number could be higher.
“I know people two blocks down who are going through the same thing,” he said.
The company, which builds, hires and sells trailers, produces thousands of custom products per year.
During the holiday period, demand is heightened.
The maintenance is expected to take the entire working day, providing the wild weather does not interfere.
