Lights back on in SEQ

More than 130,000 customers were impacted in the unprecedented event and after two weeks, Energex had restored network supply to all customers last night as planned.

More than 1000 personnel were committed to the response which totalled 80,000 work hours in trying conditions to restring 120kms of powerline, stand 150 new poles and install 500 crossarms.

The field crews, engineers, designers, planners, technicians and contractors who travelled from as far as Townsville were supported by resourcing, logistics and safety teams who kept them fed, watered and made sure they safely got back to somewhere to sleep.

They sourced literally truckloads of supplies and equipment; answered thousands of phone calls, met with hundreds of customers and ran our network control rooms.

Our community engagement and communications teams helped to provide accurate and timely information about our efforts; face to face, online and through the support of media.

The response was made easier by the incredible support of customers and communities who weathered days and weeks without power.

The Gold Coast, Scenic Rim and surrounding communities pulled together with tenacity, pride and grace. It has been truly humbling for our crews who were shown extraordinary kindness by people who were not only without power, but also suffered severed damage to their properties and homes.

We’ve truly appreciated every ice block, every offer of a cold drink, every bikkie, every wave and thumbs up and friendly toot from a car horn, and every “thank you” card drawn by a local kid.

Unfortunately, some homes are too badly damaged to be reconnected, others are getting electrical repairs done, or waiting for our teams to confirm that they’re safe to reconnect. But the electricity network is back up and running, and every home or business impacted by the devastating storms and flooding now has access to power.