A broken power pole and clashing electricity conductors are allegedly behind a St Patrick's Day bushfire that destroyed dozens of Victorian homes.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Energy Safe Victoria has laid charges against Powercor over the Terang and Garvoc electricity asset failures and subsequent fires on St Patrick's Day 2018.
"The decision to lay charges brings to a head a long and complex legal investigation and demonstrates we are prepared to hold businesses to account," Energy Safe Victoria's Paul Fearon said on Thursday.
"Although many have demanded that ESV take this action taken earlier, these matters are not trivial and the burden of proof is high."
Powercor will face court over the Terang fire, which was caused by clashing conductors, and the Garvoc fire, which started with a broken power pole.
The St Patrick's Day fires swept through Victoria's south west on March 17 last year.
A significant amount of property and livestock was lost, as the state government declared a state emergency.
A number of people have also launched civil lawsuits against Powercor.
Australian Associated Press
