There has been angst and confusion about planned electricity outages in Tenterfield Shire with some business owners getting testy.
One local business posted that they struggled to understand why Tenterfield Shire council or the Chamber of Commerce “didn’t go to bat for the shops an businesses that had had to shut their doors” for even one morning in the school holidays.
Residents pointed out that the outage was planned well in advance, businesses were notified and that council had absolutely nothing to do with it.
Cr Kim Rhodes defended council and said that business owners were free to write to Essential energy and organise a suitable day.
“No matter what date is organised for this type of work, it will upset someone!”
Furthermore, repairing and maintaining power lines and infrastructure is both highly important and dangerous.
A spokesperson for Essential Energy told the Town & Country Journal that customers are notified directly ahead of planned outages advising of the date and times they will be affected, using their preferred contact method, which may include letter, SMS or email. Notifications for customers affected by the 12 July outage were sent on 24 June.
Outages took place on 12 July and these are scheduled:
Sunday, 19 July, from 9am to 3.30pm, affecting about 253 customers in the Tenterfield town centre area;
AdvertisementTuesday, 21 July, from 9am to 4pm, affecting about 252 customers, mainly rural and residential customers west of Tenterfield;
Thursday, 6 August, from 9am to 4pm, affecting about 255 customers, mainly rural and residential customers west of Tenterfield.
According to Essential Energy, the Sunday outages have been scheduled to help minimise impacts on businesses, schools and the broader community. Essential Energy is also bringing in crews from other depots to support the work and complete it as safely and efficiently as possible.
There will also be changed traffic conditions, including around Manners Street, while work is carried out. Traffic management will be in place to help keep the community and crews safe and manage traffic flow.
Essential Energy thanks the Tenterfield community for its patience while this important maintenance work is completed to support the ongoing safety and reliability of the local electricity network.
If you rely on medical equipment, we encourage you to have a power outage plan and keep your contact details up to date with your energy retailer. More information: essentialenergy.com.au/at-home/life-support
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