MASTER Electricians Australia (MEA) has launched a free hotline to connect home owners affected by flooding with local electricians, in order to get the power turned back on as soon as possible.

MEA CEO Malcolm Richards said the service would help flooded residents find electricians faster so they could get their power checked and turned back on as soon as possible.

“If the power to the home has been cut off due to inundation, home owners will need to have the electrical fittings checked and declared safe before the home can be reconnected,” Mr Richards said.

“If the power to your street has been restored you should call the Master Electricians Australia hotline – 1300 889 198 – and we will help you find a contractor to get you back on the grid.

“In many cases it will be a simple matter of testing that everything is safe. In some cases, work will be required to replace damaged fittings or disconnect them.

“Either way, it will require a licensed electrician and the fastest way to get one will be to call the hotline.”

Mr Richards also invited electrical contractors in flood-affected areas to register with the Master Electricians Australia hotline, so they could be connected to homeowners in need.

“You don’t need to be a Master Electricians Australia member – this is a service we are providing for free to the community in order to get everyone up and running as soon as possible.

“So I urge all licensed contractors in the area to call the hotline and let us know that they’re available to help.”

While MEA was not charging for the referral service, homeowners would be required to pay the electricians for performing the checks and any necessary repairs.

Mr Richards said Essential Energy was offering a rebate to homeowners of up to $350 to cover the cost of having an appropriate contractor reconnect the electricity.

Visit https://www.essentialenergy.com.au/our-network/floods/flood-reconnecting for more information.

“People with appropriate insurance cover may be able to reclaim the cost of having an electrical contractor perform the checks and any necessary repairs,” he said.