Essential Energy crews are currently responding to a power outage which is affecting more than 200 homes and businesses in the Central Tilba area on Tuesday, November 12.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After a problem was detected on the network, operations manager South Eastern, Darren Basterfield, said power was automatically switched off to 288 customers at 11.20am.
"Crews responded immediately to ensure the safety of the public and their property and have found a fallen powerline caused by a tree coming down with the high winds in the area," Mr Basterfield said.
The fallen power lines had also sparked a grass fire.
Cobargo and Central Tilba Rural Fire Service crews rushed to the fire which started in the vicinity of Dignams Creek and Narira Roads, north of Cobargo. Crews brought it under control by 11.45am.
Repairs to the powerline will be carried out this afternoon, however until a full patrol of the powerline is completed Essential Energy is unable to provide an estimated time for power restoration.
"As there is a total fire ban in place across the state today, for safety reasons power restoration efforts will take longer than normal as we will also need to carry out a visual inspection of the entire powerline prior to power being restored," Mr Basterfield said.
Essential Energy reminds the public to report issues with the electricity network, including fallen or damaged powerlines, immediately by calling 13 20 80 and to stay at least eight metres away from the line and anything in contact with it.
"We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank customers for their patience while crews work as quickly as safety allows to restore power," Mr Basterfield said.