Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea, has urged residents affected by recent power blackouts to be aware of possible compensation payments.
“One of the worst blackouts was earlier this week in the Davidson-Belrose area, where some homes were without power for around 14 hours,” Mr O’Dea said.
“Many residents were greatly inconvenienced when electrical items such as computers, lights, cooking appliances and air conditioners wouldn’t work.
“While failure of refrigerators meant valuable food had to be thrown out, those affected may qualify for compensation,” Mr O’Dea said.
“EnergyAustralia will consider three types of claims - food spoilage, damage to appliances, and if residents were without power for more than 12 hours,” he said.
“Generally, EnergyAustralia compensates households for food spoilage as a result of a power interruption in excess of 10 hours. It will also pay homes and businesses that experience an interruption for longer than 12 hours, a payment of $80 under its Customer Service Standards.
“I commend EnergyAustralia on its compensation provisions and urge residents to phone the claims number (1800 069 952) if they believe they qualify for compensation. Residents should also check their insurance policies for compensation,” he said.
“The State Labor must take responsibility for the repeated power failures. Instead of focusing on internal party power plays, the Government should get on with the job of better providing reliable power to the people,” Mr O’Dea said. “While Labor power factions squabble, the people of Davidson are left in the dark without any power at all!
“I am calling on the Government to better review and renew its ageing infrastructure and generally lift maintenance procedures. Also, when the substation fails, what alternative power supply arrangements exist?
“The people of Davidson currently have little confidence in the Government’s ability to deliver a basic service of reliable power,” Mr O’Dea concluded.
