November 7, 2014
Regional Queenslanders reliant upon mains powered life support equipment have been urged to register with Ergon Energy’s Life Support program as the storm and cyclone season looms.
Customer Delivery Manager Herbert Mark Biffanti said the program was designed to assist customers who were dependent upon life support equipment which require continuous electricity supply regardless of their electricity retailer.
“There are still genuinely ill people in our communities who are not registered with the program and I urge them to contact Ergon for more information or visit our web site. And those who are registered may want to consider updating their contact details,” he said.
Ergon currently has 2700 registered life support customers across regional Queensland.
“Specialist equipment from home dialysis and oxygen machines through to ventilators is used by adults and children with confirmed medical conditions and require continuous electricity supply,” Mr Biffanti said.
“For registered customers, Ergon provides quick and easy access to information about power supply interruptions – planned and unplanned – via a dedicated emergency number or from our web site.
“And where possible, we contact and update them with an estimated restoration time when unplanned interruptions occur, enabling them to make alternative arrangements for emergency situations.
“Providing our Life Support customers with information to assist them to develop their own emergency plan is critical. It enables them to make necessary preparations for alternative arrangements if power is interrupted.”
Mr Biffanti said Ergon Energy could not guarantee power supply because of factors beyond its control.
“We do everything possible to provide a reliable electricity supply, but sometimes unexpected technical issues or situations arise. For example, storms, strong winds, lightning, wildlife strikes, traffic accidents and even vandalism can disrupt the power supply,” he said.
