Essential Energy crews were quick to respond to an unplanned power outage which affected 1,815 households and businesses on the northern side of Parkes last Friday at 12.50pm. Regional manager Northern, Mark Summers,
said for the safety of the public and their property the power network automatically switched itself off after sensing a problem. “Our local crews were immediately dispatched to patrol the power network to determine the cause of the power outage,” Mark said; “Crews worked as quickly as safety allowed and power was restored to 1,794 customers at 2.03pm and the remaining customers at 3.35pm.”
The power outage was caused by flying debris from the storm coming into contact with the power network near Bushman’s Dam on the Newell Highway. “We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank customers for their patience while crews worked to restore power.”
The wild weather across NSW on Friday afternoon and evening caused unplanned power outages for around 12,000 households and business across Essential Energy’s operational area. Essential Energy would also like to remind scaffolders, tradespeople and other construction workers to be aware of potential electrical hazards on the worksite and to stay safe around electricity. “Powerlines can be situated underground and overhead so workers should be aware of their location before putting up scaffolding, picking up a jackhammer, operating machinery or excavating an area,” Mark said. “We recommend every worker, from the foreman through to the apprentice complete an onsite safety induction before commencing work – identifying the location of all electrical hazards.”
For more information, contact Bronya Presler, Community Relations Advisor- Northern on 08 8082 5336