Power outages can happen anytime, especially in peak demand periods such as during summer and severe weather.
During a bushfire, you may experience interruptions to your electricity and/or gas supply, even if your property has not been directly affected.
For this reason, bushfire contingency plans should always factor in possible loss of gas and electricity.
If you use life-support equipment that relies on a continuous power supply, make sure your emergency plan is up to date and you are ready to activate it during a power outage.
If you have a private electricity line you will need to ensure it is clear of vegetation to reduce bushfire risk.
AusNet carries out a vegetation management program to maintain a safe and reliable network for bushfire season.
In Mitchell Shire, 75 hazardous trees have been cleared in the past 12 months. In Strathbogie Shire, 127 hazardous trees were cleared.
As part of the Victorian Government's Powerline Bushfire Safety Program, Ausnet is installing Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiters, which operate like a safety switch, rapidly cutting power to fallen or damaged powerlines before a fire can start.
Ausnet will also be conducting helicopter inspections, trimming trees away from powerlines and carrying out maintenance work in preparation for the peak of summer.
16°C