Power outage compensation doubled to $160

• State Government to double Extended Outage Payment Scheme (EOPS)
• One-off power outage compensation increased to $160

The Liberal-National Government will double the assistance available to customers who have been without power for more than 48 hours due to the recent storms that have caused widespread damage to the South West Interconnected System (SWIS).

Energy Minister Peter Collier said that currently under the Extended Outage Payment Scheme (EOPS), customers affected by power interruptions lasting 12 continuous hours or more were eligible for an $80 payment.  Following today's announcement, customers who had been without power for more than 48 hours due to Sunday's storm would be eligible for a payment of $160.

"The extent of the damage caused across the SWIS has been unprecedented and the ability to reconnect affected households and businesses quickly has been difficult due to the number of areas and regions impacted," Mr Collier said.

"Western Power is doing a fantastic job in restoring power to a large number of customers quickly, however there has been a long outage for a number of people due to the extensive nature of this storm.

"We recognise the inconvenience and hardship that people suffer as a result of losing power, which is why the State Government is doubling the assistance available to households which have been most affected by Sunday's storm."

The one-off increase to the assistance follows the most widespread damage to SWIS ever caused by a single storm.

The compensation scheme is administered by Western Power and the cost covered under Western Power's Access Arrangement.

Customers can apply for the payment by using an online form or by phoning 13 10 87.

      Fact File

• For more information about EOPS, visit:  http://www.westernpower.com.au/customerservice/claims/ExtendedOutagePaymentScheme.html

Minister's office - 6552 6300