Here are some answers to help you understand how claims for compensation are assessed.
We try to identify the cause of any power interruption that may have occurred around the time of your loss or damage. We aim to advise you in writing of our assessment of your claim within 10 working days after receiving your claim. More complex claims may take longer to assess.
We don't require receipts or repair reports before assessing your claim. We will advise you in writing if this information is required and you will need to provide photocopies of unmodified receipts or repair reports. We reserve the right to view original documents. Damaged items should not be disposed of until after the claim has been resolved (excluding food).
We will help customers meet the fair and reasonable cost of repairs to damaged equipment under the following circumstances:
Where appropriate, we will meet the replacement cost for replacing "like with like", not necessarily "new for old".
We do not reimburse GST when compensating business customers who are able to lodge GST input tax credits, since this is claimed from the Australian Tax Office.
We are unable to compensate customers for any loss or damage that occurs as a result of events or circumstances outside our control including:
If Western Power declines your claim, you may wish to pursue compensation through your insurance company. Your insurer may require a copy of Western Power's assessment letter advising the cause of the electricity interruption.
Page update on 20 February 2007
