Power firm faces class action
Electricity provider SP Ausnet and the Victorian Government face class action lawsuits in the wake of the bushfires that devastated Kinglake and neighbouring communities.
The action centres on a segment of fallen power lines in Kilmore East which it is alleges sparked fires that killed more than 100 people.
Lightweight power poles that stretch long distances across rural Victoria have previously been criticised as inadequate.
Plaintiff lawyers Slidders and Gadens are two firms understood to be taking up class actions on behalf of residents and business owners.
SP Ausnet is one of Australia’s largest publicly listed energy distributors, and is a member of the Singapore Power Group. A spokesman says the company will “fully comply” with investigations into the fires.
Under its agreement with the Victorian Government, the maximum legal liability for SP Ausnet is capped at $100 million.
The action centres on a segment of fallen power lines in Kilmore East which it is alleges sparked fires that killed more than 100 people.
Lightweight power poles that stretch long distances across rural Victoria have previously been criticised as inadequate.
Plaintiff lawyers Slidders and Gadens are two firms understood to be taking up class actions on behalf of residents and business owners.
SP Ausnet is one of Australia’s largest publicly listed energy distributors, and is a member of the Singapore Power Group. A spokesman says the company will “fully comply” with investigations into the fires.
Under its agreement with the Victorian Government, the maximum legal liability for SP Ausnet is capped at $100 million.