[AusNOG] Bris CBD to lose power 7:00am tomorrow

[Matt Carter]

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Also can be found at QPS Facebook page
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http://www.energex.com.au/media_centre/asp/media_release_display.asp?id=1998&index=0&m=&y=
11th of Jan 2011
ENERGEX to switch off some Brisbane CBD power

ENERGEX crews will start switching off electricity to many parts of Brisbane's CBD from 7 am tomorrow (Wednesday 12 January 2011) for safety reasons. 
The electricity sub-stations are mainly in buildings close to the Brisbane River which is expected to reach near record levels during the next few days. 
The ENERGEX crews will inspect the sub-stations after tomorrow afternoon's peak high tide to assess the amount of damage and to determine the re-energisation timetable. 
Other areas in Brisbane and Ipswich are also being closely monitored by ENERGEX to determine whether or not electricity will be turned off. 
These areas are primarily those identified by Brisbane City Council flood mapping along the Brisbane and Bremer Rivers and their tributaries. 
The outages could impact approximately 100,000 customers with restoration times dependent on the rate that floodwaters recede and the amount of damage caused to electrical equipment. 
Similar safety plans were implemented by ENERGEX earlier this week in Gympie. 
More information about flood prone areas can be found on the Brisbane City Council and Ipswich City Council websites. 
ENERGEX is also urging people with medical conditions that rely on electrical-powered equipment, as well as refrigerated medications, to keep in close contact with their medical practitioner and seek advice. 
At 5pm there were 22,000 homes and businesses without supply in South East Queensland. 
ENERGEX spokesman, Mike Swanston, said safety was the key issue during extreme weather and thanked South East Queenslanders for their patience while crews were working in trying conditions to get supplies back on. 
"No one should never underestimate the old adage that power and water don't mix, and as water continues to rise ENERGEX will be taking a safety first approach under these extreme weather conditions," Mr Swanston said. 
"Similarly, as the weather worsens over night, power interruptions caused by winds blowing tree branches onto powerlines and other extreme conditions are expected to continue. 
"But we ask customers to remain patient as our crews work around the clock in the in heavy rains and high winds." 
ENERGEX is also asking any customers who see damaged or threatened power infrastructure to stay well clear and to call ENERGEX's priority line on 13 19 62. 
The public is also being urged to keep out of flood waters near any electrical equipment and stay away from fallen powerlines.