Authorities were using the machines to power critical services, including traffic lights.

A 25-year-old man is alleged to have received a number of the stolen machines, which have since been recovered by police.

He has been charged with receiving tainted property and is scheduled to appear in the Rockhampton Magistrates Court on March 6.

Charges are yet to be laid over the actual thefts.

Another man is assisting investigators with their inquiries, police say.

The total number of generators stolen since Cyclone Marcia lashed the Capricornia Coast on Friday last week rose to 17 on Wednesday, according to Rockhampton criminal investigation branch Detective Acting Inspector Luke Peachey, who described the thefts as a "low act".

Nearly 70,000 homes and businesses in the Rockhampton and Yeppoon areas were left without electricity when Cyclone Marcia hit on Friday.

Ergon Energy said about 35,000 customers had been restored on Wednesday and they were aiming for all of Rockhampton to be back online by the weekend.

However, about 25,000 residents of the Yeppoon area will have to wait until early next week to be reconnected.