Essential Energy says that just over 21,000 homes and businesses on the Far North Coast were affected by unplanned outages on Saturday night, following the severe storms that swept through the region.
The electricity network spanning across Lismore, Alstonville, Kyogle, Ewingsdale, Ballina, Suffolk Park, Hastings Point, Lennox Head, Dunoon, Terranora, Mullumbimby, Cudgen and surrounding areas was damaged by lightning and trees being brought down by strong winds.
Essential Energy worked through the night where conditions allowed, restoring power to over 12,000 customers.
Essential Energy crews are back on deck on Sunday mornong, assessing damage and continuing restoration efforts. Crews from other locations have been called in to bolster the on-ground response, with the priority to safely restore power to remaining homes and businesses as soon as possible.
Customers can check the outages page on Essential Energy’s website essentialenergy.com.au/outages-and-faults for estimated times of restoration which will be posted once known.
People should not attempt to clear any fallen trees at this early stage and are reminded to stay at least eight metres away from any damaged powerlines, poles or electricity equipment. If anyone sees any fallen powerlines or other safety concerns we urge them to report to Essential Energy on 13 20 80.
A big thanks to all the wonderful people who braved the storm, the rain &lightening to restore power… so grateful…
So nice to see someone be grateful for something important, amongst all the political hoo-ha
so good to live off-grid!
We got power back at 3.35am. I am forever grateful for those who brave the elements and early hours to restore our comfort.