An independent review into just how TasNetworks handled the severe weather event that lashed Tasmania in August, leaving tens of thousands without power, has begun.
The multi-day storm caused significant damage to the electricity distribution network in all corners of the state, particularly in the north and north-west.
At the height of the storm, over 47,000 electricity customers were left without power, requiring more than 200,000 supply restorations.
Some in rural and remote areas were cut off for more than seven days as crews struggled to pass roads that were flooded and blocked by fallen trees.
The review will be led by Rhys Edwards of RDME Consulting, a former Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet and current Board Director of Aurora Energy.
It will focus on contingency planning, incident management, restoration of supply and recovery support for affected households, businesses and communities.
Independent MP Craig Garland, who pushed for the review in Parliament, said the “lack of communication” from TasNetworks and other agencies during the storm “was the biggest source of frustration for many”.
“Many community members have shared with me their distrust of TasNetworks, particularly regarding the lack of transparency about the extent of power outages,” he said.
“Hearing directly from the community, especially those whose vulnerabilities were overlooked in the response, will provide the review with a better understanding of the outage’s impact on people’s lives and how TasNetworks’ communication strategies need to improve.”
Garland believes “years of cost-cutting” by TasNetworks was “exposed” in their response.
“I hope this review can identify important lessons and suggest meaningful changes to prepare for the increasing frequency and severity of these weather events,” he said.
