Released 25/07/2017
Joint media release: Mick Gentleman MLA and Shane Rattenbury MLA
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman and Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability Shane Rattenbury have issued the following statement regarding ActewAGL’s planned power outages tomorrow.
“As always, the health and safety of the Canberra community is the priority for the ACT Government. With temperatures expected to reach up to 37 degrees on Friday, the ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Paul Kelly has issued a statement this afternoon reminding Canberrans to keep cool and hydrated, said Minister Gentleman.
“In light of the forecasted temperature, the ACT Government asked ActewAGL to review their planned power outages in parts of Hawker and Hughes which are scheduled for this Friday 13th of January.
“ActewAGL have advised the government that the work scheduled for tomorrow is essential, particularly in light of forecast storms which could present further risks and unplanned power outages if the maintenance works tomorrow do not go ahead.
“ActewAGL have also advised the government that residents have been informed of the planned outage and that the ACT Emergency Services Agency are ready and taking all precautions, they are working with ActewAGL to ensure that health of known vulnerable residents in the affected areas is not compromised,” concluded Mr Gentleman.
Minister for Energy and Climate Change Shane Rattenbury added:
“The ACT Government has an ‘Extreme Heat Plan’ which allows the government to intervene in planned power outages in certain circumstances. The plan can be activated where the mean temperature over a 24 hour period is equal to or greater than 28C over three consecutive days.1 Advice from the Bureau of Meteorology indicates this will not be the case so ActewAGL has decided to carry out the work as planned,” said Minister Rattenbury.
“In cases like these, while the temperature is uncomfortable, ActewAGL must also weigh up the risk of not carrying out the planned work and exposing the community to unplanned power outages if forecasted storms do take place. We have the Extreme Heat Plan to help guide these decisions.
“Unfortunately, climate change means that Canberrans will face more very hot days like tomorrow. While it is unfortunate that ActewAGL has to carry out essential works on a 37 degree day, it is also crucial that any potential storm hazards are removed to keep the community safe.
“The ACT Government urges all Canberrans to keep cool, protect yourself from the sun and keep an eye out for members of the community that may be vulnerable in hot weather,” concluded Minister Rattenbury.
1. The mean temperature is the calculated mean of the Bureau of Meteorology daily forecast maximum from one day and the subsequent night’s minimum temperature.
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases