Recovery support for Far West NSW
We’re offering a range of support measures to help Far West NSW residents and small-medium businesses impacted by the recent electricity disruption and power outages. This includes one-off payments of:
- $200 for individuals
- $400 for businesses
Visit the Service NSW website for more information on how to apply. You can also learn more about the times and the location of the Broken Hill recovery centre and local mental health services.
About the recent electricity disruption and power outages
What happened
On Thursday 17 October, a severe storm destroyed 7 Transgrid transmission towers in Far West NSW. This caused significant disruption to the supply of electricity to Broken Hill and surrounding communities including Tibooburra, Wilcannia, Menindee, White Cliffs, Milparinka, Packsaddle and Silverton.
The response
We immediately activated an emergency response. We worked closely with emergency services, government agencies and electricity companies to keep the community connected in the short term while the issue was being fixed as quickly as possible.
During this time the communities were powered by a network of backup generators.
There were some planned and unplanned outages that impacted residents and businesses. This was primarily to maintain the large-scale backup generator's performance and practice load sharing to ensure the grid remained stable.
Additional generators were installed to help keep the lights on. Transgrid also connected the AGL Battery Energy Storage System to help maintain the electricity supply in Broken Hill.
On Thursday 31 October, the power supply to Far West NSW was restored to the main NSW electrical system ahead of schedule. Transgrid crews worked around the clock to construct 7 transmission towers and restore the transmission line to replace those destroyed in the storm.
Recovery in Far West NSW
No further outages or disruptions related to this event are expected. If you need electricity-related support, you can contact Essential Energy on 13 20 80 or visit their website for more information.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority and Service NSW is now working on the ground to support the community through the recovery process after this challenging time. Learn more about the support available.
What to do when power supply is threatened or power outages occur
There are important steps you can take to prepare and stay safe when your power supply is threatened or during a power outage.
Follow these steps before, during and after a power outage.
Learn more about what to do if your power supply is threatened.
It’s important to have an emergency kit prepared and make sure everyone knows where it is. If you don’t have an emergency kit, use the time while the power is restored to put one together. A kit can include:
- Any emergency or health equipment you may need.
- LED torches, remember to check the batteries and have spares available.
- A list of emergency and important phone numbers.
- A car charger for your mobile phone and other USB devices. Be sure to run the vehicle outside in the shade with good ventilation to avoid exhaust fumes building up in and around your home.
- Cash, which can be used during prolonged outages in case electronic payment systems at local shops are down.
- Provide your mobile to your electricity retailer to get SMS alerts with the latest updates. Your retailer is the company that sends you your energy bill.
Follow these tips to stay safe, cool and informed during an outage.
Stay safe
- Always follow the advice and instructions of emergency services and call Triple Zero (000) immediately in life-threatening or emergency situations. Be aware that there may be impacts on the telecommunications networks in the area during this time.
- Stay at least 8 metres away from any fallen or exposed wires and immediately report electrical hazards to Essential Energy on 13 10 03.
- Always use your home appliances for their intended purposes and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions. This is especially important for appliances designed to be used outdoors and produce toxic gases that can cause injury or death if they build up inside. These include:
- external or portable generators
- woodfired, gas and charcoal barbeques or heaters.
- Do not attempt to rewire your house to incorporate any external power generation sources, such as a battery or external or portable generator.
- Follow the NSW Food Authority’s advice on food safety during and after a power outage. Try to keep food safe by avoiding opening the fridge and freezer. A closed fridge can keep food cold for up to 4 hours and a closed freezer can stay cold for 24 hours. Do not eat any food that may have spoiled.
- Turn off and unplug any sensitive appliances such as TVs, computers and Wi-Fi routers, to prevent damage when power is restored.
- Offer assistance to neighbours where possible and if safe to do so.
Stay cool in hot temperatures
Always follow the guidance from NSW Health to keep yourself and those around you safe in hot temperatures, these include:
- Drink water to stay hydrated.
- Avoid being outdoors during the hottest part of the day as much as possible. If you must go outside, seek shade or shelter and wear appropriate sun protection.
- Limit physical activity, for example, household chores or exercise, to early morning when it is coolest.
- Wear appropriate clothing that is:
- lightweight
- light-coloured or white
- loose-fitting.
- Close curtains and blinds to block out the sun and spend time in the coolest area of your home.
- Wet your skin with cool water using a spray bottle, a damp sponge or cloth, or take cool showers or baths or sit for a while with your feet in cool water.
- When it becomes cooler outside, open your windows and doors to let warm air out and cool air in.
- If you have them, place cool packs or crushed ice in a damp towel loosely over your neck and shoulders.
Stay updated with the latest information
- Keep a list of important phone numbers nearby to contact to receive and give updates, such as Essential Energy, 13 10 03.
- If you can, keep your phone charged. Use your car to recharge phones and USB devices. Ensure the vehicle is in a well-ventilated area and in a shaded area when running the engine.
- Leave one light switched on so you will know as soon as the power is restored.
- Monitor the latest updates on social media and this webpage and keep in touch with your neighbours.
- Inspect your home once the power returns to check for any risks or issues caused by the outage. If you find any risks or issues do not attempt to repair them, contact Essential Energy immediately on 13 20 80.
- If there are non-urgent ongoing electrical problems, contact your electricity provider (the company that sends you your electricity bill) for assistance.