WA Liberal Party leader Dr David Honey has slammed Western Power for not providing adequate compensation to residents who were effected by blackouts over summer.

Around 35,000 Western Power customers were impacted by power outages over Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

$160 compensation payments were offered to affected residents, partially funded by the state government, however that failed to cover the losses incurred by some residents.

In a statement Western Power confirmed that no more compensation payments would be offered to affected residents.

“That’s really not a good enough approach,” Dr Honey said on 6PR Breakfast.

“And to say that the weather over Christmas … those temperatures weren’t unusual over summer, and the system is designed and should be designed to cope with it.

“What’s really clear is the system’s not being maintained properly.”

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Full Statement from Western Power:

“Customers who experienced an outage for longer than 12 hours over the festive period are eligible to apply to Western Power for the extended outage payment. Last week the State Government announced that this payment will be doubled from the normal amount of $80 to $160 for customers interrupted for 12 or more hours over the heatwave period from 24 to 28 December inclusive.

As at 5 January, 7081 extended outage payment claims have been submitted for this period, of which 6730 have been approved so far (95 per cent) and will be paid within 30 days of approval.

If you experienced an extended outage you can apply for the extended outage payment via https://www.westernpower.com.au/faults-outages/make-a-claim/extended-outage/

Customers are not eligible for any further damages payments for weather-related outages that are beyond Western Power’s control, such as safety devices tripping during an extended run of high temperatures like the recent heatwave. Customers can check with their insurance provider in these instances regarding their policy coverage.

However, Opposition Leader Dr David Honey said the response is not adequate.”