Key Takeaways:
- A power outage in Western Australia’s Midwest left over 22,000 homes and businesses without electricity for over 20 hours
- Volunteer firefighters were left without essential mobile communications while battling two serious fires in the region
- The outage was caused by lightning striking the transmission network and damaging around 30 poles
- Telstra and Optus mobile phone towers were affected, with backup power systems keeping some services online for a limited time
- Western Power has offered customers who experienced power loss for over 12 hours a $120 payment as an acknowledgement of the inconvenience
Introduction to the Power Outage
The recent power outage in Western Australia’s Midwest has highlighted the vulnerability of the region’s infrastructure to severe weather events. Over 22,000 homes and businesses were left without electricity for over 20 hours after lightning struck the transmission network and damaged around 30 poles. The outage had a significant impact on the community, with volunteer firefighters battling two serious fires in the region without access to essential mobile communications.
The Impact on Firefighters
The lack of mobile connectivity made conditions on the fireground even more challenging for volunteer firefighters. Chapman Valley Shire chief bushfire control officer Andrew Vlahov stated that mobile phone towers had about five hours of battery life before they stopped working, leaving firefighters without a means of communication. Mr. Vlahov was lucky to have a satellite communication and generator system at home, which allowed him to send word through information by word of mouth and two-way radio that help was needed. However, the limited communication options available to firefighters put them at risk, with some experienced firefighters expressing fear for their safety.
The Role of Telcos in the Outage
Telstra regional general manager Boyd Brown explained that the company’s backup power systems kept many services online for as long as possible, but the network sites use a significant amount of power, making disruptions inevitable in the event of a prolonged power outage. Optus also acknowledged the outages impacting NBN, mobile voice, and data services in regional WA and the Perth metropolitan area, prioritizing the deployment of generators to key sites to bring them online until power is restored. Both telcos emphasized that calls to emergency services, such as Triple Zero (000), remain a priority and are being closely monitored.
The Response from Western Power
Western Power asset operations executive manager Zane Christmas apologized for the inconvenience caused by the outage, which was the largest in the state since 2010. The utility offered customers who experienced power loss for over 12 hours the chance to apply for a $120 payment as an acknowledgement of the inconvenience. Mr. Christmas stated that the company’s crews and support staff worked around the clock to restore power as quickly as possible. However, the outage has raised concerns about the vulnerability of the power supply, particularly for businesses that rely on it.
The Economic Impact on Businesses
Midwest Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Joanne Fabling stated that businesses were significantly impacted by the outage, with many forced to close and discard perishable goods. The outage also resulted in staff being stood down, leading to substantial losses for businesses. Ms. Fabling emphasized the need for further investment in renewable energy sources and battery storage to reduce the region’s vulnerability to weather events. The outage has highlighted the importance of having a reliable and resilient power supply, particularly during critical periods such as the holiday season.
Conclusion and Future Directions
The power outage in Western Australia’s Midwest has highlighted the need for a more robust and resilient infrastructure to support the community, particularly in the face of severe weather events. The lack of mobile connectivity and the impact on firefighters and businesses have raised concerns about the vulnerability of the region’s infrastructure. As the region looks to the future, it is essential to invest in renewable energy sources, battery storage, and other technologies that can reduce the risk of power outages and support the community during times of need. By doing so, the region can minimize the impact of future outages and ensure that essential services, such as firefighting and emergency response, can operate effectively and safely.
