Summer Blackouts Loom Amid Dust Pollution from Persistent Drought
South Australia is bracing for a challenging summer as power outages are anticipated due to ongoing dust pollution and persistent drought conditions. SA Power Networks (SAPN) has reported that weather-related impacts are undermining infrastructure, increasing the likelihood of outages.
Recent Power Outages and Their Impact
This morning, over 8,000 properties experienced power disruptions in the state. Notably, the Yorke Peninsula’s southern end was significantly affected; specifically, a substantial number of residents from Minlaton to Marion Bay reported outages. Businesses, such as Minlaton Bakery, faced severe financial losses due to these outages, with owner Lisa Martin estimating her losses at $5,000.
- Number of properties affected: 8,000+
- Location: Yorke Peninsula (from Minlaton to Marion Bay)
- Estimated loss for Minlaton Bakery: $5,000
Despite power restoration efforts, around 300 properties in Greater Adelaide and an additional 530 in Victor Harbor remained without electricity as of 3:30 PM ACDT.
Community Concerns about Safety
Many business owners expressed frustration, citing the inability to open and lost revenue. Terri Thiel, the owner of Location Café in Edithburgh, echoed similar sentiments, noting that community safety is a greater concern. Past incidents of flashovers caused by insulation pollution have ignited fires near power poles, prompting worries among residents.
Thiel herself is no stranger to the dangers posed by the power network, having lost her home in a 2019 incident linked to a network fault. “If the infrastructure isn’t right, improvements must be made to prevent further incidents,” she stated.
Long-Term Issues and Future Plans
Cecilia Schutz, external affairs manager at SAPN, attributed these outages to insulator pollution along power transmission lines. This pollution has been a recurring problem, leading back to a significant outage in March 2025 that affected around 20,000 properties.
While cleaning measures have provided some temporary relief, they do not address the long-term degradation of these insulators. Schutz indicated that without sufficient rainfall—specifically over five millimeters across 24 hours—further insulator-related outages are probable this summer.
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Dust Pollution
Moving forward, SAPN is prioritizing an inspection program through its newly formed dust pollution taskforce. Their aim is to systematically identify areas requiring immediate infrastructure upgrades while addressing the degradation challenge over time.
- Taskforce established: Last month
- Focus: Inspection and evaluation across the state
SAPN officials are optimistic that targeted investments will help safeguard against future outages, ensuring greater reliability for South Australian consumers this summer.
