2,300 without power in Northern Rivers

Essential Energy said that the number of homes and businesses that are without power was down to 2,300 following the impacts of ex-cyclone Alfred. 

‘As of 12pm, 2,300 homes and businesses remain without power primarily in the Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah and Ewingsdale areas,’ said a spokesperson. 

‘Crews are focused on gaining access into those hard-to-reach areas where there is significant damage to the network due to fallen trees and boggy ground. Helicopters continue to support our response along with excavators, specialised climbing crews and all-terrain vehicles. 

‘Teams are also working through a number of faults that impact only one customer at a time, with this work to continue over coming days.’

Community hubs

Essential Energy has set up community hubs across the Northern Rivers wher you can speak directly to their representatives.

Community hubs are currently at:

• Tweed Heads: Tweed Heads South Community Hall – Corner Heffron Street and Minjungbal Drive, South Tweed Heads from 9am to 5pm 

• Murwillumbah: Murwillumbah Civic Centre Auditorium, 10-14 Tumbulgum Rd, Murwillumbah, from 11.00am to 1.00pm 

• Byron Bay: Marvell Hall, 37 Marvell St, Byron Bay, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm 

‘Many organisations from across Northern NSW have also been there for our teams on the ground, providing food, last minute accommodation and logistical support – all of which has helped our teams on the ground concentrate on making repairs and restoring power for customers. ‘

Don ot approach power lines

The community is reminded to please stay at least eight metres away from fallen powerlines and 150 metres from lines submerged in water and should report the location to Essential Energy on 13 20 80.  

Estimated times of restoration are being updated (when known) on the website outages page.