By Taylah Eastwell
Around 500 Ausnet workers will be on the ground in the Dandenongs in coming days to rebuild the power network.
Ausnet has advised street access may be restricted for some customers as restorations progress over the next few days.
An Ausnet spokesperson said customers who have registered their mobile numbers will receive an SMS prior to works beginning in their street.
Ausnet general manager of network control and operations, Tim Lloyd believes that Ausnet is in a “very good position” to deliver the Dandenong Ranges Rebuild Plan.
“Our rebuilding plans are progressing well, and power is returning gradually across the region,” said Mr Lloyd.
Key focus areas include Kalorama, Mt Dandenong, Olinda, Sassafras, Sherbrooke, The Basin, Tremont and Upwey.
“Customers in these areas should inspect their own properties to ensure there is no damage to the connection point at their home,” 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 announced a “small section” of network will be placed underground during the rebuild.
“Damage to the Dandenong region 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.
Streets affected on Saturday 26 June include (depending on weather and access) –
Kalorama, Mt Dandenong and surrounds:
Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd
Farringdon Rd
Alma Lane
Link Rd
Ernest Rd
Barbers Rd
Doughty Rd
Wombat Rd
Observatory Rd
Ridge Rd
Sassafras
Colehurst Crescent
Lynn Street
Guilfoyle Drive
Lennox Grove
Upwey
The Crescent
Woodlands Ave
Florence Ave
Works are expected to continue from Sunday to Wednesday on Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd and The Crescent, Upwey.
