Prolonged 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.

Businesses with an annual payroll of less than $10 million can apply for payments of $2500 per week – 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 – on behalf of the Commonwealth and State governments – and will help businesses dealing with prolonged power loss cover the costs of rent, wages and other operating expenses.

How to apply

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 13 17 99.

Additional information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning website at www.delwp.vic.gov.au