Essential Energy will carry out an intensive program of electricity network maintenance in the Young, Cowra and Grenfell areas during mid-December to improve the reliability of the local power supply.
Regional manager Southern, Steven Ilitch, said crews would be working at various sites in the rural locations of Woodstock, Bimbi, Caragabal, Greenethorpe, Quandialla, Bribbaree, Koorawatha and Weedallion.
“Crews will complete a variety of tasks including replacing power poles, cross-arms, insulating devices and upgrading electrical equipment to further strengthen the network,” Steven said.
“This work is part of Essential Energy’s regular program of asset maintenance and follows the identification of potential network faults during our annual aerial and ground-based inspections.
“Crews will rectify any repairs required to ensure network integrity and mitigate bushfire risks.”
Extensive planning has been undertaken to minimise the inconvenience to customers including bringing in an additional 70 crew members from several regional depots to complete the work in the shortest timeframe and with a minimum of power outages.
“Due to the scale of the project, several planned power outages will be necessary between 12 December and 17 December 2016 to allow crews to safely access the electricity network,” Steven said.
“All affected residents and businesses will be notified in advance to allow time to make alternative arrangements, however, work has been planned so that customers will only experience a single power outage as part of this project.”
Essential Energy has several handy tips to help customers prepare for planned power outages available on its website at: essentialenergy.com.au/outages
Due to the nature of this work, Essential Energy will require vehicle access to some rural properties throughout the course of the project.
“We thank the community for its patience and understanding during these network improvement works,” Steven said.
