The storms, which are more common than any other natural hazard, pose a danger to people and property including powerlines and electrical equipment. Each year, on average, storms are responsible for more damage than tropical cyclones, earthquakes, floods or bushfires, as measured by insurance costs, and according to Commonwealth of Australia 2008, Bureau of Meteorology.

Country Energy is asking people to be prepared for storms, know what to do in a severe storm and to stay informed.

Severe thunderstorms generally occur from September to March which is when we experience our highest incidence of unplanned electricity supply interruptions. Almost a third of all unplanned supply interruptions on Country Energy’s network are weather related, including lightning strikes and storm damage.

People need to remain vigilant for fallen powerlines, damaged power poles and other electrical hazards.

Country Energy encourages people to prepare for storm season by clearing yards of loose materials and rubbish and to check and secure tiles or roofing sheets that may blow loose and come in to contact with the power supply.

Also, it is helpful to assess the potential for trees or overhanging branches to come in to contact with powerlines and to contact a professional to have these trimmed. Under no circumstances should people try to trim trees that are contacting our infrastructure or that are overhanging our poles and wires.

After a storm has rolled through an area, disrupting power, Country Energy asks that customers contact them to inform them of any supply interruption. They will restore power as fast as safety allows, and advise people not to go near downed powerlines and take care where there’s debris or downed trees which could conceal an energised powerline.