Around 23,000 homes and businesses remained without power as of 9:30pm on Monday 27 October, following destructive storms that swept across South East Queensland on Sunday night.
Energex said it had restored supply to about 103,000 customers over the past 24 hours, with more reconnections expected on Tuesday morning as rested crews returned to work.
Golden Beach resident Mariah Jackson said her power went out at 4.30pm on Monday afternoon and was restored just after midnight.
“It was easily the hottest night we’ve had in a long time,” she said.
“It would have hit me worse being pregnant.
“We had to sit in the pool and I slept with ice and wet clothes. I feel dehydrated and have symptoms of heat stroke this morning.”
Energex principal corporate communications advisor Brett Judge said the peak number of customers impacted was 74,300 at 8:05pm on Monday night, predominately in Brisbane Central and Ipswich Lockyer Areas.
“We have also been managing heat related responses on the network and also the high winds that affected crews’ ability to work at heights this afternoon,” he said on Monday.
“Energex has deployed a significant number of crews to work both night and day to restore power – there are currently 216 field workers on the ground tonight and dozens more providing support roles.
“Even after the super cells passed through the South East, we have seen continued damage occurring during the day as a result of high winds and new damage being identified.
“This has seen an increased number of customers being impacted during the day. Particular areas of focus for us are the Kenmore, Sherwood and Fig Tree Pocket areas.
“There are significant challenges for crews accessing network damage due to the amount of vegetation that has either damaged poles and wires or is blocking access for vehicles and crews.”
Mobile generation has been deployed and will be used to support essential services, aged care facilities and impacted schools where it is possible.
Check the Energex Outage Finder for the latest statistics at: www.energex.com.au/outages/outage-finder/emergency-outages-text-view/
