Horizon Power has completed its response to Tropical Cyclone Heidi less than 36 hours since the cyclone hit, with the last distribution fault responded to and power restored by 3.00 pm this afternoon. Only one customer, whose property cannot be reconnected until electrical work is completed within the premise, now remains without power.
Power supplies were initially interrupted on seven out of fifteen feeders in Port Hedland, South Hedland and Wedgefield immediately after Cyclone Heidi hit at 4.30 am yesterday, resulting in unplanned power interruptions for approximately 3,600 customers. Customers in the South Hedland and Wedgefield areas, where electricity supplies are distributed through overhead powerlines, were the most severely impacted.
General Manager Operations Ziggy Wilk said Horizon Power's response to Cyclone Heidi demonstrated the experience and capability of Horizon Power in responding to emergency situations.
"Horizon Power operates in areas of regional Western Australia where cyclones and other adverse weather events are an annual event that often result in challenging operational conditions," he said.
"It is a huge achievement for Horizon Power to have restored full power supplies in less than 36 hours to the 3,600 customers and I am extremely proud of all those who were involved in our response, particularly our line crews who were out from 8.30 am yesterday to deal with the aftermath of the cyclone.
Horizon Power sincerely thanks the Port Hedland community for their patience and support over the last 36 hours.
For more information, contact 1800 799 745.