Update on NSW Government response to power outage in Far West NSW, 20 October

Communities in the Far West region of NSW are being told to prepare for electricity supply to be cut off for six hours from 11 pm tonight Australian Central Daylight Time (ACDT), to allow for maintenance of the large-scale back-up generator providing power to the area.

Planned outages are needed to maintain the performance of the generator. These will occur overnight to minimise impacts on the community.

• The first maintenance period is scheduled to start tonight, Sunday 20 October 2024. Impacted communities should plan to go without power from 11 pm Sunday night to 5 am Monday morning (ACDT).
• The second maintenance period is scheduled for Wednesday 23 October 2024. Impacted communities should plan to go without power from 11 pm Wednesday night to 5 am Thursday morning (ACDT).

The impacted area incudes Broken Hill, Tibooburra, Wilcannia, Menindee, White Cliffs and several other surrounding communities.

Households and businesses in the Far West region should provide their mobile phone number to their electricity retailer (the company that sends their bill). This will enable Essential Energy to send text message updates about power outages.

The large-scale back-up generator has restored power to the Far West region after a storm brought down electricity transmission towers on Thursday. Transgrid is constructing temporary towers but that could take a number of weeks.

Residents in the affected areas are also being urged to minimise their electricity usage between 5.30 pm and 10.30 pm (ACDT) each evening over the next few weeks, to reduce demand on the generator. There are a few simple steps to take:

• Turn off any non-essential appliances.
• Use lights only in occupied rooms.
• If you are using air conditioning, consider raising the set point temperature to about 26 degrees and close all blinds, windows and doors.

Outside these times, residents should continue to use electricity as they normally would.

Thanks to the community reducing usage during yesterday’s the evening peak, the generator was adequate to maintain power supply for the whole Far West region.

Essential Energy is working hard to install additional generators in coming days to reinforce electricity supply to some of the towns in the Far West region.

The NSW Government is coordinating an emergency response across a number of government agencies and is working closely with Transgrid and Essential Energy.

Travellers should avoid the area surrounding Broken Hill, Tibooburra, Wilcannia, Menindee and White Cliffs unless absolutely necessary.

For Essential Energy updates visit: https://www.essentialenergy.com.au/outages-and-faults/power-outages

Customers, including Life Support customers, can contact Essential Energy on its outage line on 13 20 80 for support.

For information on ways to reduce energy use during this peak demand event visit: https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/households/guides-and-helpful-advice-households/electricity-supply-disruptions

Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said:

'Power supplies were maintained to Broken Hill and nearby communities via the large-scale back-up generator, thanks to the many households and businesses which conserved power during last night’s peak.

'In order to maintain the large-scale back-up generator, Transgrid has advised the Far West region of NSW will be without power tonight and again on Wednesday night. We understand this is frustrating for residents, but it is crucial to maintaining the supply.

'Please continue to support your community by minimising usage in the evenings over the coming days and weeks, as Transgrid and Essential Energy work to restore permanent power supply.'

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

'We are all frustrated by the disruption to normal power supply. The maintenance of the generator allows more reliable power. These are short term disruptions and should provide more consistent power supply until repairs to the main supply line are completed.

'I urge all locals to register your phone number with the electricity retailer which sends you your power bill, so you get an alert.

'Thank you again for your patience and support for each other.'