Power outages refer to the loss of electricity in a specific area, which can last from a few minutes to several hours or even longer. This interruption in the electrical supply can occur due to various reasons, including severe weather conditions (such as storms, high winds, or snow), equipment failure, maintenance activities, accidents, or natural disasters. Power outages can affect residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, disrupting daily activities, causing inconvenience, and potentially leading to economic losses. In some cases, power outages can pose safety risks, particularly for individuals reliant on electrically powered medical devices or systems. Utilities usually notify customers of planned outages, while unplanned outages may be reported through customer service channels. Restoration efforts typically involve diagnosing the issue, repairing damaged infrastructure, and resupplying power to affected areas.
A major storm in Victoria caused widespread lightning strikes, resulting in power outages for 13,500 customers. Areas affected include Benalla, Wodonga, Wangaratta, and Myrtleford. Response efforts included ground crews and…