Energy upgrades discussed as Cleeland meets with AusNet

The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, has held another meeting with representatives from AusNet to discuss the ongoing upgrades to the region’s energy supply.

Ms Cleeland said there was optimism following the meeting, although the situation would become clearer when warmer weather returns.

“Unfortunately, over the last summer too many households and businesses in the Euroa region suffered due to regular and prolonged power outages,” Ms Cleeland said.

“It was pleasing to hear that several upgrades have now been completed that are expected to improve the reliability of the energy supply for residents in the Euroa region.

“While I am optimistic that these changes will provide more energy security to our residents, it will take until the Summer when the power is at its most volatile to ensure these changes deliver tangible change for locals.”

Upgrades already completed include the cancellation of non-critical planned outages, adding more support crews in the region, relocation of the scouting helicopter, repairing defective equipment, reviewing fault restoration policies, and surveying local vegetation.

There are still more upgrades to come, including animal proofing, installing trip savers, and improvements to AusNet’s fault targeting capabilities.

Ms Cleeland thanked the community for their incredible advocacy to ensure these changes were delivered.

“This is the result of speaking out and fighting for better standards when it was clear we weren’t getting appropriate services,” Ms Cleeland said.

“I want to thank everyone in the region who contributed and shared your stories with me.”

More meetings are expected to take place in the near future to ensure that improvements do not stagnate for the Euroa region.