SP AusNet rejects police report that assets caused 2009 bushfire

SP AusNet said it does not accept that its assets were involved in the ignition of the Murrindindi fire.

SP AusNet made the statement after it gained limited access to a report provided by the Victoria Police to the State Coroner concerning the cause of ignition of the Murrindindi fire on 7 February 2009.

The report implicates SP AusNet’s electricity assets in the ignition of the Murrindindi fire.

Although the police have indicated arson as the cause in the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission, they have now come to the conclusion that the cause of the fire is likely to be electricity assets.

The Coroner has yet to make a finding.

SP AusNet said should the company be found liable for losses in the Kilmore or Murrindindi fires, it is not known whether SP AusNet’s insurance will be sufficient to cover all losses associated with the February 2009 bushfires.