DEECA in conjunction with distribution businesses formalise mutual aid arrangements between all businesses to support effective management of prolonged power outage events to reduce time to restore outcomes for customers. Arrangements should include early consideration of mutual aid when a prolonged power outage event is likely to last more than 48 hours. This recommendation should be implemented by December 2024.

Owners and operators of critical infrastructure should participate in Regional Emergency Management Planning Committees and ensure that they have appropriate arrangements for services to stay connected for 72 hours without network power supply – to be actioned immediately.

Greater emphasis be placed on pre-planned and pre-determined arrangements between the Australian Defence Force and State and local agencies.

PES External Surge Program The success of the PES External Surge Program and the willingness of participants to deploy at short notice to support the recovery effort is commendable, as is the readiness of their supervisors to release them from their duties to enable deployment. The Program, supported by an appropriate training program, is one that should be sustained as part of the whole of Government recovery readiness effort.