A town in regional Victoria has endured nearly 100 power outages in the past year, averaging one power blackout every four days.
Residents and businesses in Euroa, in Victoria’s north-east, have had 96 power outages in the past 12 months, including a Christmas Day blackout that lasted three days.
Residents claim the issue is destroying businesses and placing vulnerable people at risk.
The issue is a nightmare for sleep apnea sufferer Margaret, who needs her machine at night.
“When I don’t, I stop breathing,” she told 9News.
“It’s very unsettling, your oxygen levels drop.”
The issue is also placing local businesses at risk, including one Euroa bakery owned by Brandon Mawson.
“Every time the power goes out we lose three grand in terms of product, stock, the whole shebang,” he said.
Half of the town has signed a petition demanding AusNet fix their supply issues.
It’s become a serious concern for locals who say they’re being put at risk during bushfire season and floods.
Power supplier Ausnet has admitted fault and apologised.
“We have identified some immediate measures to improve reliability and we continue to investigate longer-term solutions,” a spokesperson said.
