The State Government has authorised extra power outage payments for those affected by the devastating Perth Hills bushfire.
The extended outage payment is usually $80 but has been increased to $160 for customers impacted by the bushfire, either directly or indirectly.
Around 1,300 homes and businesses are currently without power due to the bushfire burning in parts of The Vines, Bailup, Ellenbrook, Upper Swan Valley, Millendon, Aveley, Red Hill, Belhus, Baskerville, Herne Hill, Bullsbrook, Wooroloo, Brigadoon and Gidgegannup in the shires of Mundaring, Chittering and Northam and the City of Swan.
It follows today's announcement that the State Government will donate $2 million to the Lord Mayor's Distress Relief Fund to support those impacted by the bushfires.
Further relief measures to assist people who have been impacted by the bushfires will be announced soon.
If you have experienced an extended outage, 12 hours or more, and your home or business is connected to the Western Power grid you can apply for the extended outage payment at: https://westernpower.com.au/faults-outages/make-a-claim/extended-outage/
For up-to-date information on outages, visit: http://www.westernpower.com.au/faults-outages
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"We are in the midst of an unprecedented situation right now, fighting the devastating bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The thoughts of all Western Australians are with the people involved, as well as the firefighters who are putting themselves in danger to help others.
"The State Government stands ready to support those impacted by the devastating fires, which is why we are doubling the extended outage payment to $160, with further assistance to be rolled out soon."
As stated by Energy Minister Bill Johnston:
"Western Power's Network Operations Centre and crews are working around-the-clock to safely restore power to homes on the outskirts of the fire area.
"There has been significant damage to around 150 poles and 100 transformers in the fire scar area, and it could take weeks for crews to restore the damage.
"I urge people to stay eight metres away from any fallen power lines and report any damage to the network to 13 13 51."
