After the storms in Victoria, households and small businesses that were affected may qualify for a ‘Prolonged Power Outage Payment’. The severe weather event on 13 February 2024 resulted in power outages for half a million residents in Victoria.

By 19 February, over 10,000 properties remained without electricity.

Eligibility for Victoria Power Outage Compensation
The Victorian and Australian governments are offering a Prolonged Power Outage Payment to those impacted by prolonged power disruptions.

To be eligible, individuals must have been without power for 7 days.

Residential customers who remain without power as of 12:01am on 20 February will be eligible for $1,920 per week. Small businesses with an annual payroll under $10 million can receive $2,927 per week as compensation.

Application Process for Compensation

Energy distributors will directly contact affected individuals who have experienced power outages for a week or longer, providing information on how to apply for compensation.

Payments will be offered for up to three weeks. If you believe you are eligible and have not been contacted, it is advised to contact your energy distributor directly.

Additional Compensation Options

In addition to the Prolonged Power Outage Payment, the Electricity Distribution Code of Practice offers further compensation for various outage scenarios:

• For multiple sustained outages exceeding 18, 30, or 60 hours within a year, compensation ranges from $130 to $380.

• Compensation for frequent outages, exceeding 8, 12, or 20 times a year, also ranges from $130 to $380.

• Momentary outages (less than one minute each) exceeding 24 or 36 times a year can fetch $40 to $50 in compensation.

• Major event day payments of $90 are available for outages lasting more than 12 hours.

• Additional payments are provided for late or missed appointments ($35) and delays in new connections ($80 per day up to a maximum of $400).

For more detailed information or to initiate a claim, the Essential Services Commission website or your energy distributor’s website should be consulted.

As the community continues to recover from the impacts of the February storms, these compensation measures represent a critical step towards helping affected Victorians navigate through the challenges of prolonged power outages. This initiative ensures that individuals and businesses have the necessary support during these difficult times.