Thousands of people will be without power for a week after severe storms wiped out lines connecting entire towns to the energy grid.
About 15,000 West Australian homes and businesses in Merredin, Kellerberrin, and Kalgoorlie have been left in the dark after Tuesday’s storms, with authorities warning the outage could last up to seven days.
Western Power stated it had restored about 10,000 homes and businesses on Thursday night and will keep customers informed about restoration times as soon.
“We still have considerable work to do to restore the remaining customers,” the company stated on Friday.
“We understand the frustration and inconvenience the current power outages are causing and appreciate the community’s patience.
“Full customer restoration is taking time due to the extensive damage and we are prioritising critical services infrastructure in collaboration with State Government agencies including health, water, and Police.
“The 220KV transmission line that supplies Kalgoorlie sustained significant damage from the storm front and there are five transmission towers down with repairs to these expected to take some time.”
The energy provider stated back up generators had been installed in a bid to assist some customers.
“Western Power engineering teams have successfully been able to supply customers in the meantime via the undamaged section of the 220KV line via the 132KV network,” the company stated.
“Synergy has conducted repairs on the gas turbine generator in West Kalgoorlie, which now can be used to supply back-up generation.”
WA Premier Roger Cook urged those residents affected to keep an eye on their neighbours in the coming days, as temperatures are forecast to swelter to 41 degrees on Sunday.
“Major hospitals are operational, and police and emergency services are upping patrols,” Mr Cook wrote on X, formally known as Twitter.
“The Kalgoorlie Police Station is open to the public 24/7.
“To those in affected communities – we are doing everything we can to bring power back as quickly as possible.
“Please check on each other, especially vulnerable neighbours and members of your community, and take care.”