Updated:
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A Powercor spokeswoman said a fault occurred on a HV cable head about 7.46am, impacting power to about 2363 customers in the Ballarat area.
Crews restored power to most customers within 90 minutes.
In response to questions about how the company works to prevent electrical pole fires, the spokeswoman said Powercor conducts extensive inspections and maintenance of its networks throughout the year to ensure safe and reliable power to its customers.
"While we deliver 99.97 per cent reliability for our customers, power outages can happen for a range of reasons, such as weather, car accidents or wildlife, and, given the nature of electricity, when a fault occurs this can cause sparking," she said.
"We thank people for their patience as our crews and control room operators focused on getting power back on as safely and quickly as possible."
Updated:
It appeared the problem occurred between two power poles. A power line had snapped from the pole and was lying on the road.
Powercor crews had restored electricity to most residents and businesses by 9.15am. A spokesperson said full coverage would be restored by about 11am.
Earlier:
Thousands of people are without power after an incident involving a power pole in the middle of Ballarat.
Police and CFA trucks are at the scene on Dana Street, in between Lydiard and Armstrong streets.
There are power lines down in the area.
Firefighters were first called about 7.45am.
The incident has been declared safe, however thousands are without power.
Some traffic lights are also out in the middle of the city.
According to the Powercor website, it is estimated the power will be restored about 10am.
As of 8.50am, crews were on scene fixing the damage.