River Murray floods: Power will be cut to shacks, businesses

The state’s electricity distributor has warned it will be forced to cut power to low-lying shacks and businesses as the River Murray’s relentless rise continues.

SA Power Networks has warned it will need to cut electricity supply to shacks and business owners as the River Murray nears its record levels in the next few weeks.

Head of corporate affairs Paul Roberts said the electricity distributor had been making urgent assessments around the potential impact on customers and infrastructure as the river rises.

Mr Roberts said some infrastructure was already standing in floodwaters and it was certain electricity supply would be cut to some flooded areas. River flow is expected to peak at 135 gigalitres a day at the SA border in early December – levels not seen since the mid 1970s.

The disconnections might involve isolated shacks or multiple properties in low-lying areas.

“We will also monitor any impact on the higher voltage parts of our network that may be at risk,” Mr Roberts said.

“We will communicate directly with customers affected where we can via our SMS system, but we are aware that many shacks will be unoccupied.

“There is a real potential risk to the community from electric shock or other issues associated with our infrastructure in flood waters and we also believe it is important customers are aware of the risk posed by electrical wiring and appliances within the property.

“Ideally solar panels should be shut down and people with batteries should consider moving them above expected flood levels. This is a job for a qualified electrician.”

Mr Roberts also said properties impacted by flood waters would need a safety certificate from a qualified electrician before power could be restored to a property.

Mr Roberts said people should also avoid downed or low powerlines, stay clear of all electricity infrastructure in floodwaters, be aware that powerlines – particularly those that cross the river – may be low over flood waters

Originally published as River Murray floods: Power will be cut to shacks, businesses