28 February 2025
Ergon and Energex preparing for Cyclone Alfred
As the weather bureau monitors Cyclone Alfred, Ergon Energy Network and Energex are urging Queenslanders to be prepared for prolonged power outages and to prioritise electrical safety.
Area Manager Renee Kath said the recent flooding in north Queensland and last year’s tropical cyclones were a reminder of what to expect and plan for.
“We’ve started our preparations right along the Queensland coast and urging Queenslanders to do the same,” Renee said
“We can start to see the impacts of a cyclone well before it crosses the coast as winds pick up and bring down trees, branches and other debris into overhead powerlines, so you should be prepared for potential lengthy power interruptions.
“Storm surges and flooding also have the potential to impact the underground power network and cut access to damage sites.
“While we always hope for the best, we ask everyone to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Think about what everyone in your household needs to get by without power for a week or longer and get your storm kit ready, especially if you rely on powered medical equipment.”
Vegetation management crews have reduced the risk of power outages by trimming trees along close to 800,000 spans of powerlines across Queensland, but they cannot prevent large trees from falling into the buffer zone or branches from being blown into powerlines.
“You can help by cleaning up your yard and removing, securing or stowing anything that could become a dangerous projectile in cyclonic winds, like trampolines, outdoor furniture or loose sheets of corrugated iron,” Renee said.
“This will reduce the risk of damage to your local power network and properties in your area, including your own.”
Ergon and Energex crews will be ready to respond when weather conditions allow, but flooding and unsafe flying conditions can delay damage assessment, network repairs and power restoration to any sites where access is challenging.
“The unpredictable nature of cyclones means that we are always prepared for a range of scenarios, and we have crews, vehicles and equipment on standby in strategic locations.
“Queenslanders can count on us after natural disasters strike, but this is an unpredictable event and the best thing you can do is prepare early.
“Safety is always our number one priority and we encourage everyone to check out our tips for staying safe in severe weather before the cyclone hits.”