Compensation claims following January 2018 power outage

Businesses and households that have suffered losses associated with forced closure, loss of income or spoilt stock/food may be entitled to make a claim for consequential losses.

In addition, electricity distributors are required to meet ‘Guaranteed Service Levels’ (GSLs). GSLs are regulated by Victoria’s Essential Services Commission and are in place to ensure that minimum service levels are met. Electricity distributors can fail to meet GSLs as a result of unplanned interruptions to supply as well as well as delays associated with the restoration of electricity supply.

When GSLs are not met, customers may be entitled to compensation. Compensation associated with failing to meet GSLs is generally standardised and of a modest amount.

Not necessarily.

Numerous blackouts occurred on 28 January 2018. These blackouts predominately impacted electrical networks managed by CitiPower, Powercor and United Energy. At the peak of the blackout, approximately 95,000 businesses and households were without power. A number of faults contributed to the blackout. These faults occurred at various locations and are presently being investigated.

Electricity distributors are not automatically responsible for each outage that occurs on their network. The nature of each individual fault and whether that fault ought to have been avoided entirely or repaired more promptly will impact upon whether the electricity distributor is prepared to consider claims for compensation.

Maddens Lawyers is continuing to investigate each of the faults and the potential liability and/or negligence of each of the electricity distributors.

Maddens Lawyers is offering to advance compensation claims on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis. This means that if we are unable to secure compensation for you, you will not receive a bill of costs from us.

As part of your compensation claim we will also request that your electricity distributor make payment for any legal costs you incur.

Accordingly, engaging Maddens Lawyers is a risk free way to advance a claim for compensation.

It is our experience that businesses and individuals are often unaware of the full extent of the types of loss that they can be compensated for. We strongly recommend you seek assistance from an experienced lawyer to ensure that your claim is formulated in accordance with legal principles and is as comprehensive as possible.

It is important that those impacted by the electricity blackout receive accurate information about their legal entitlements from a firm that has expertise in representing individuals that have been affected by the electrical industry.

Maddens Lawyers have represented thousands of businesses and individuals who have suffered property damage and consequential loss due to bushfires alleged to have been ignited as a result of the inadequate maintenance of electrical distribution networks. We have secured millions of dollars of compensation on behalf of these bushfire victims.

Our team has acquired a detailed understanding of the electrical industry and we are well placed to assist you to promptly advance a comprehensive claim for compensation.