Support for storm-affected residents

Residents who are still being impacted by the recent storms can receive support from the state government thanks to this new scheme. Pic: GABRIELLA PAYNE 255933_34

The state government is distributing generators to support families and businesses devastated by the recent storms, with priority given to people who are expected to remain without power into the coming weekend due to the extensive damage.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio announced on Friday 5 November the deployment of more than 200 generators, to be distributed to those most in need in storm-affected areas, as well as additional compensation for households affected by prolonged outages.

Ms D’Ambrosio said that these generators would help those who were still feeling the lasting impact of the powerful storm.

“These generators will allow people to return to a better sense of normality by having a back-up power supply for essential appliances like fridges and phones,” she said.

“The outages have had, and continue to have, a big impact – that’s why we’re providing further financial support for those affected.”

The temporary measures are similar to those implemented after the severe June storms with generators to be provided to residential customers in eligible areas seeking support.

Residents affected by the storm who have been without power since the storm event on 29 October can expect to be contacted by AusNet Services and United Energy and provided with contact details to apply for a generator.

Additionally, eligible people who receive the generators will still be able to receive additional support such as the Prolonged Power Outage Payment of $1,680 per week.

The Victorian Government is currently working with the commonwealth on support for businesses still without power.

Distribution of the eight-kilowatt generators began immediately after the scheme was announced on Friday and remains ongoing, with a triage system prioritising distribution to ensure those most in need get a generator as soon as possible.

The generators will provide people with enough energy to power basics like some lights, a microwave and a small heater.

Volunteers from emergency services agencies will help get generators and accessories to people in need.

Safety information on setting up, refuelling and maintaining the generators will be provided by Energy Safe Victoria.

Extensive damage to the electricity network left about 1,500 customers without power over the past weekend.

Energy providers will directly contact impacted customers, more information about the deployment can be found on the providers websites at www.ausnetservices.com.au or www.unitedenergy.com.au.