Energex restores power to 100% of customers after Tropical Cyclone Alfred

More than 2000 Energex and Ergon Energy Network crews have slogged through a mountain of work in often horrendous conditions to restore power to the largest number of properties ever affected by a natural disaster in Queensland.

In just 10 days since Tropical Cyclone Alfred hit South East Queensland, crews from Cairns in the north to Stanthorpe in the south have joined forces with SEQ crews to reconnect more than 500,000 individual homes and businesses.

Energy Queensland CEO Peter Scott praised the extraordinary efforts of field crews and support staff. “This response shows the commitment our people have to their communities and just how deep they will dig to help Queenslanders in need,” Mr Scott said.

“Such an operation required exceptional people undertaking a precise, coordinated response with a highly skilled and motivated workforce.”

“Energex and Ergon Network teams collectively put in more than 300,000 hours of work to inspect 9000 kilometres of network, restring more than 175 kilometres of powerlines, and manage the operations and logistics, and significant level of support required to sustain this massive restoration effort.

“Every single one of our support staff and field crews has done us proud, with many leaving family behind – sometimes without power themselves – to complete work in some of the harshest conditions imaginable while keeping safety their highest priority.”

Mr Scott also expressed gratitude to the community for their patience and support during the restoration process, acknowledging the heartwarming gestures of appreciation shown to the crews. “We understand the significant impact that power outages have on daily life, and we are deeply grateful for the understanding and encouragement shown by the community,” he said.

“Across South East Queensland, residents and local businesses went above and beyond to thank our crews, offering cold drinks, treats, and even homemade cakes and biscuits.

“You know how much it means to our people when you hear about the smiles on our teams' faces when they see pictures and heartfelt handwritten messages of support from school kids.”

Mr Scott extended his thanks to the numerous partner organisations and government agencies that played a vital role in the recovery effort.

“We’d like to acknowledge the invaluable support of the Queensland Disaster Management Committee and associated agencies, Local Disaster Management Groups, Councils, emergency services, as well as our vegetation management, traffic control and air service contractors,” he said.

For customers who may still be without power while their neighbours' electricity has been restored, Energex encourages them to call 13 62 62 so crews can investigate further.

The past two storm seasons have brought back-to-back events requiring significant responses from Energex and Ergon Network, including two cyclones and significant flooding in the north, prompting Mr Scott to urge Queenslanders to be prepared for severe weather events.

“In a state like ours where summer can be especially brutal, it pays to prepare your household or business for the worst-case scenario so that you’re not caught off guard.

“In cyclones and floods, it’s essential to have a back-up plan, which may include a generator capable of meeting your needs.

“Disasters close to home and around the world remind us that no electricity network in the world is completely weather-proof, whether powerlines are overhead or underground.

“Whether it’s a case of repairing or rebuilding the infrastructure that powers their lives and livelihoods - Queenslanders can count on us to get the job done,” Mr Scott said.