Victoria power outage 2024: How to claim $2,000+ in compensation
Households and small businesses impacted by the Victoria storms may be eligible for a 'Prolonged Power Outage Payment'.
Half a million Victorian residents lost power after the extreme weather event of 13 February 2024.
As of Sunday, 19 February, there were still over 10,000 properties without power.
Victoria power outage: Am I eligible for compensation?
The Victorian and Australian governments will give households and small businesses access to a Prolonged Power Outage Payment.
This is for people who've been without electricity for 7 days.
Residential customers will receive a payment of $1,920 per week if they've remained without power as of 12:01am, 20 February.
Small businesses with a payroll of less than $10 million yearly will be entitled to $2,927 per week in compensation.
This follows a similar move back in 2021 when Victoria faced storm-related power outages and residents were entitled to $1,680 in compensation.
How do I apply for compensation?
You should be notified directly by your energy distributor if you've been without power for a week or more.
They'll then advise you on the application process.
These payments will be available for up to 3 weeks. If you believe you're eligible and haven't been notified, call your distributor directly.
Who is my energy distributor?
This will depend on where you live.
Here's a list of energy distributors in Victoria and the areas they support:
| Distributor | Network area |
|---|---|
| Jemena | North and north-western suburbs |
| CitiPower | Melbourne CBD and inner suburbs |
| AusNet Services | Outer northern and eastern suburbs and eastern Victoria |
| United Energy Distribution | Southern suburbs and the Mornington Peninsula |
| Powercor | Western Victoria, excluding all of Melbourne |
Is there any other compensation available for Victoria's power outages?
You are still entitled to some compensation even if your power outage hasn't lasted the full week.
Under the Electricity Distribution Code of Practice, you can receive:
| Minimum amount payable | Reason for payment |
|---|---|
| Multiple outages | Hours of unplanned, sustained outages |
| $130 | More than 18 hours per year |
| $190 | More than 30 hours per year |
| $380 | More than 60 hours per year |
| Multiple outages | Hours of unplanned, sustained outages |
| $130 | More than eight per year |
| $190 | More than 12 per year |
| $380 | More than 20 per year |
| Momentary outages | Less than one minute each |
| $40 | More than 24 per year |
| $50 | More than 36 per year |
| Major event day payments | Hours of unplanned, sustained outages |
| $90 | More than 12 hours, on a major event day |
| Late or missed appointments | |
| $35 | More than 15 minutes late for an agreed appointment window |
| Delay to new connections | |
| $80 per day to maximum $400 | Where a new electricity supply is not connected on the agreed date |
Source: ESC
Visit the Essential Services Commission's website for more details or head directly to your distributor's website to start your claim.
"The Australian and Victorian Governments are working together to ensure households can get the support they need to buy much-needed basic items to help their recovery," said Premier Jacinta Allan in a media release.
"This catastrophic weather event has had a devastating impact on so many communities and we're making sure Victorians who need help are getting it as quickly as possible."
Live in Victoria? Find out if you're eligible for any rebates and concessions to help lower the cost of your energy bills.
