On this page:
A Network Outage Review has been commissioned into the system response to the 13 February 2024 storms, led by a panel of independent experts.
The expert panel was chaired by Rosemary Sinclair, the former CEO of Energy Consumers Australia, with panel members Gerard Brody and former chief executive of the Consumer Action Law Centre, and Kevin Kehl, Non-Executive Director of Energy Queensland, TasNetworks and Marinus Link and former executive leader at Powerlink Queensland and Energex.
The Review sought input from the Australian Energy Market Operator, Australian Energy Regulator, Energy Safe Victoria, the Essential Services Commission, and other regulators.
Strong interest in the Review saw well-attended stakeholder and community engagement during the consultation process, with the panel holding in-depth discussions with key agencies, local councils and impacted communities through public information sessions, open house and stakeholder meetings. The panel also sought and received written submissions and conducted an online survey via the Engage Victoria website.
The expert panel delivered an interim report to the Minister in July 2024 and its final report to the Minister n August 2024 (published below). For more information, please see the terms of reference.
The final report
The final report consists of 19 recommendations and 12 observations focused on delivering a clear pathway of improvements, necessitating a step change in the operational response by transmission and distribution businesses during prolonged power outage events.
The recommendations provide a strong focus on achieving change quickly, with certainty and using mechanisms that are within Victoria’s control.
This final report details the importance of better preparedness, coordination and collaboration; actions to improve the reliability of the electricity system and support the community by placing people, their needs and safety at the forefront, ensuring better outcomes for Victorians.
The expert panel delivered an interim report to the Minister in July 2024 and its final report to the Minister in August 2024. For more information, please see the terms of reference.
If you would like to receive more information, or ask any questions, please email networkoutagereview@deeca.vic.gov.au.
- Terms of reference - Network Outage Review - system response to 13 Feb storms pdf 140.8 KB
- Mirboo North engagement summary pdf 295.8 KB
- Cockatoo Emerald Gembrook Monbulk engagement summary pdf 311.9 KB
- Interim report network outage review 2024 pdf 2.7 MB
- Interim report network outage review 2024 - accessible docx 7.5 MB
- Final report: February 2024 storm and power outage event pdf 2.4 MB
- Final report: February 2024 storm and power outage event - accessible docx 3.4 MB
Next steps
We will carefully consider the Network Outage Review report and recommendations. The government response to the Network Outage Review is expected later in the year.
Page last updated: 13/09/24