Power restored to 3000 Queensland homes, firms

Energex has almost doubled the number of homes in Brisbane it estimates are without power after a revision of its power grid data.

An Energex spokeswoman says the new figures are a result of work crews providing more detailed data as they move through the streets of Brisbane.

"The data is going to fluctuate as we get more and more detailed data," the spokeswoman said.

Statewide, the number of properties now without power following Queensland's devastating floods has been increased from 19,817 to 26,037.

Those still without power included 20,800 (previously 11,393) homes and businesses in Brisbane; 4357 (5797) in Ipswich and 880 (1193) in the Lockyer Valley.

On Saturday 9000 homes and businesses were returned to the power grid, bringing to 240,000 the number of properties restored since last Monday.

A further 3000 Brisbane homes and businesses will be reconnected to the power grid on Sunday, Energex says.

It follows the reconnection of 6000 in Brisbane on Saturday.

However, four large riverfront office towers were not expected to have power restored until well into the working week.

"The nature of the damage there means it will probably take us until Thursday before it's safe to restore power," Energex spokesman, Mike Swanston, told the ABC.

Staff from NSW's Country Energy were among a group of 110 power workers from other electricity companies due to join the restoration effort.

Energex said it remained committed to a "safety first" approach.

"When the restoration effort began a few days ago we gave a clear and absolute commitment that nobody would get hurt from an electrical incident," Energex spokesman, Graham Metcalf, said in a statement.

"So we are taking our time, doing one step at a time with safety the key imperative for all involved."

Property owners whose premises were inundated were being urged to make sure they have the buildings inspected by a qualified electrician before making any attempt to switch the power supply back on.

Energex is also working with the Master Electricians who are assigning electricians to those towns and suburbs where flood waters are receding.

Power interruption and restoration information can be found at www.energex.com.au.

• Bookmark this page
• Share this article
  •  
  • facebook
  • slashdot
  • digg
  • Reddit
  • stumbleupon
  • linkedin
  • twitter
• Got more on this story? Email Computerworld
• Follow Computerworld on twitter

• Share
  Share this article

  •  google+
  • facebookfacebook
  • slashdotslashdot
  • diggdigg
  • RedditReddit
  • stumbleuponstumbleupon
  • linkedinlinkedin
  • twittertwitter
• print
• email
• Bookmark