The state opposition says the fire at the Terranora interconnector on Wilsons Creek Road, Mullumbimby, yesterday is an example of why electricity infrastructure should stay in public hands.
The fire left 3000 people temporarily without power.
Labor energy spokesperson Luke Foley told ABC radio this morning, ‘Evidence from around the world suggests that public ownership of electricity infrastructure is the best answer for reliability of supply’.
The interconnector converted AC power to DC for underground transmission and ultimately sale across the border in Queensland. Echonetdaily understands it is owned by Origin Energy.
The fire was confined to the interconnector but firefighters were required to switch off another substation, dropping power to 3000 consumers in Dunoon, to allow them safe access. Homes in the area were without power for four hours yesterday according to Essential Energy.
Five trucks including a hazmat vehicle and a foam tanker fought the blaze, which Echonetdaily’s Ziggi Browning caught on video.
