Essential Energy has shortened the time of a planned electricity outage for Pambula Beach following predictions of a 35 degree day.
Essential Energy has planned pole replacement work taking place on Tuesday, December 13 which will mean an electricity outage for 377 customers originally from 9am until at least 3pm.
However the Bureau of Meteorology has predicted that temperatures will rise to 30 plus degrees and a Total Fire Ban has been issued for the Far South Coast.
Practice manager at Sapphire Clinic, Peter Cumming is well acquainted with electricity outages and the havoc they can wreak on medical supplies that have to be refrigerated. Although the practice will not be affected on this occasion Mr Cumming is concerned for residents, particularly the elderly in the area where the outage is planned.
“I am concerned for the elderly in Pambula Beach given the temperatures predicted. Pambula Beach has quite a few elderly residents, some of whom I know and I reckon they are going to have a hard time,” Mr Cumming said.
Essential Energy’s regional manager southern, Steven Ilitch said that electricity network maintenance and upgrade work was planned in advance to try and minimise the impact on local residents and businesses, however, regular maintenance was necessary to secure a safe and reliable power supply and reduce the likelihood of unplanned power outages.
“During summer, power outages planned across the southern region are assessed on a case by case basis to determine the appropriateness to proceed in accordance with relevant health, safety and environmental procedures and policies,” Mr Ilitch said.
“Tuesday’s power outage in Pambula Beach has been shortened due to forecast hot conditions and Total Fire Ban declaration. Supply will be restored to all customers no later than 12 noon, circumstances permitting,” he said.
Customers are encouraged to contact Essential Energy on 13 20 80 if they have any questions about planned power outages.
