Call for expansion of Small Claims Compensation Scheme

Member for Narungga Fraser Ellis MP has today called for increased compensation for householders and businesses forced to pay for damaged or destroyed property caused by sudden power failures.

This is the third time Mr Ellis has raised this topic in Parliament since the 20-hour power outage across Yorke Peninsula on 14 March, and he today specifically called for an expansion of the State Government’s Small Claims Compensation Scheme citing it is not acceptable that consumers through no fault of their own, are left so seriously out of pocket when power failures occur.

“I am working on legislation amendments to expand the compensation scheme and have today additionally given a chamber speech and formally corresponded with Minister Koutsantonis seeking increased monetary support for impacted businesses and households.

“Currently, the scheme only applies for damage and property and stock loss caused by surges as opposed to power outages and this criteria I believe is flawed.

“Surely whether power transmission suddenly fails or whether it suddenly surges should not matter, the result for the consumer who pays so very much for the services it is supposed to receive is the same – an expensive repair or replacement bill through no fault of their own.”

In his speech today, Mr Ellis cited examples of constituents who have tried to claim losses through their personal insurer to no avail, and who also will not qualify for assistance through any SA Power Networks compensation or via the Small Claims Scheme in its current form.

“It is now more than six weeks since the 20-hour power outages across Yorke Peninsula and I am continuing to seek answers, including from Government, SA Power Networks, ElectraNet and Telstra with whom I have also raised the concerns about the dangerous impact of the loss of telecommunications during extended power outages.

“I remain determined to secure a better outcome for impacted consumers when power outages occur, whatever the reason they happen”.