Extra power outage payments have been authorised for people affected by the Perth Hills bushfire.
The regular outage payment of $80 has been increased to $160 for customers impacted by the bushfire, either directly or indirectly.
The move follows the announcement that the State Government is to donate $2 million to the Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund.
Further relief measures to assist people who have been impacted by the bushfires will be announced soon.
Announcing the extra payments, Premier, Mark McGowan said fighting both bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented situation.
“The thoughts of all Western Australians are with the people involved, as well as the firefighters who are putting themselves in danger to help others,” Mr McGowan said.
“The State Government stands ready to support those impacted by the devastating fires, which is why we are doubling the extended outage payment to $160.”
Minister for Energy, Bill Johnston said Western Power’s Network Operations Centre and crews had worked around-the-clock to safely restore power to homes on the outskirts of the fire area.
“There has been significant damage to around 150 poles and 100 transformers in the fire scar area, and it could take weeks for crews to restore the damage,” Mr Johnston said.
“I urge people to stay eight metres away from any fallen power lines and report any damage to the network to 13 13 51,” he said.