No power to the people as work crews are kept busy with outages

Western Power has warned the approximately 8000 Mid West customers without power during a current outage, to prepare for a night without electricity.

A spokeswoman said Western Power crews and network operators were continuing to respond to faults across widespread areas of the Mid West.

“The outages were caused by damage to multiple poles from the recent weather experienced across the central and lower Mid West regions last night and earlier this morning,” she said.

“The longer outage period is due to the geographical spread of faults, combined with difficult weather conditions continuing to impact restoration efforts throughout the day.”

The spokeswoman said misty and or humid conditions or light drizzling rain could combine with dust and pollution to create “tracks” on pole insulators which let electricity jump across causing damage to poles.

She said this damage included pole top fires, and some lines were down.

“Extra crews have been dispatched from Perth and southern areas to assist, and our priority is to make all affected areas safe and then restore power as quickly as possible,” she said.

“Customers who have experienced loss or damage from an extended outage can make a claim online at the Western Power home page at westernpower.com.au.”

People who see a fallen power line are invited to call Western Power on 13 13 51.

People with internet access can check for known outages on the Western Power website, here.