By Taylah Eastwell
The mammoth task of rebuilding the Dandenong Ranges power network is running ahead of schedule.
After a crew of around 500 Ausnet workers took to the ground on 26 and 27 June, Ausnet has updated its expected reconnection times as the Dandenong Ranges Rebuild Plan comes to fruition.
As of Monday 28 June, the Ausnet outage tracker showed just 26 homes remain off the grid despite earlier assurances the network would be out until at least July 10.
According to the tracker, just three homes in Olinda remain in the dark, as well as 23 in Sassafras.
Ausnet expects power to be fully restored to all areas of the Dandenongs by July 3.
Ausnet general manager of network control and operations, Tim Lloyd believes that Ausnet is in a “very good position” to continue restoring the network, but advised homeowners to check whether there is any damage to private electrical lines.
“Our rebuilding plans are progressing well, and power is returning gradually across the region,” Mr Lloyd said.
“We want customers to be reconnected as quickly and safely as possible. If there is damage at your home, or to your private electrical line, please get it repaired by a registered electrician.
“Once repairs to your property are completed and you have a Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES) we can reconnect you to the network.
The news comes after Ausnet recently announced a “small section” of network will be placed underground during the rebuild.
“Damage to the Dandenongs following the recent storm is extensive, we will need to rebuild parts of the network. Getting the power back on as quickly and safely as possible is our priority, however, where it makes sense and is a faster solution, we will underground sections during the restoration,” an Ausnet spokesperson said.
The Dandenong Ranges Rebuild Plan can be viewed at https://www.ausnetservices.com.au/en/About/News-Room/News-Room-2021/Storm-Update/5-day-rolling-plan or a hard copy obtained from Yarra Ranges Council.
Works are expected to continue until Wednesday 30 June along Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd and The Crescent, Upwey.
