More than 3500 customers were without power after a possum came into contact with a power box at the corner of Sherrard and Clissold streets at 10.25pm.

Power was restored to most homes just after 11pm, with the remainder fixed by 11.15pm.

The blackout reportedly affected residents in Ballarat Central, Soldiers Hill, Ballarat East, Ballarat North, Black Hill and Bakery Hill.

Street lights were blacked out on Lydiard Street North past the Ballarat Station.

Taxi driver Taranjeet Singh said he had taken customers to Soldiers Hill during the blackout and was forced to take precautions while driving. 

“I had to put my lights on high beam. I could not see anything,” he said.

Mr Singh said he was worried about pedestrians during the blackout.

“It’s too dark and nobody can walk,” he said.