AusNet Services : Disaster Power Outage Payments for Businesses

Disaster assistance will be available for businesses that continue to be affected by prolonged power outages from the extreme weather event in Victoria.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Businesses with an annual payroll of less than $10 million can apply for payments for up to three weeks if they were without power as of 12.01am Thursday 17 June 2021. If eligible, they will then receive the payment each week, capped at three weeks.

The payment will be administered by Ausnet and will help businesses cover the costs of rent, wages and other operating expenses through this difficult period.

Australian Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said the DRFA will assist businesses who remain without power and may do so for some weeks to come.

"The Prolonged Power Outage Support Payment of $1680 per week, for up to three weeks, has been extended to all eligible businesses without power," Minister Littleproud said.

"We know that being without essential power is incredibly difficult and we want to help businesses to get the support they need that best suits their circumstances.

"The Australian Government is working closely with the Victorian Government and stands ready to provide further assistance as required."

Acting Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Danny Pearson, said the payment Prolonged Power Outage Business Payment will provide up to 1,200 affected businesses with a $2,500 per week payment to support continued operations and address financial hardship caused by the ongoing impact of the severe weather event.

"These measures will help businesses by giving them the financial support to pay wages, rent and other activities required to keep businesses operating," Minister Pearson said.

We understand the pain felt in the community caused by these catastrophic storms. The introduction of the Prolonged Power Outage Payment for businesses will alleviate some of the financial burden on our traders.

We know communities are doing it tough which is why we are stepping in to make sure businesses and employers have financial support to keep businesses going and begin the recovery work.

The funding package is being administered by AusNet on behalf of the Commonwealth and State governments to provide direct assistance to support businesses dealing with prolonged power loss.

Eligibility criteria can be found on AusNet's Storm Event webpage at www.ausnetservices.com.au/en/About/News-Room/News-Room-2021/Storm-Update.

AusNet has established a dedicated claims process for customers impacted by the storm, which can be accessed on its website or by calling 1300 561 171.

Information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government's website at www.disasterassist.gov.au, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning website at www.delwp.vic.gov.au, the Victorian Government www.vic.gov.au and the VicEmergency website www.emergency.vic.gov.au/relief.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Minister Pearson: Stephanie Jones, 0448 359 507

Minister Littleproud: Douglas Ferguson, 0455 448 985