Posted inGeneral News

Bingara power outage bigger than planned

Essential energy workers (supplied)

A small area of Bingara was expected to lose power today, but far more people have been affected due to damaged equipment.

Around 130 customers in the centre of town were notified they would be without power today due to maintenance and the planned connection of the new Gwydir Shire Council administration building.

However, damaged equipment has caused an unplanned outage, resulting in all of southern Bingara, Dinoga, and Upper Bingara being without power, without notice, for most of the day.

“Essential Energy crews were carrying out planned work in Bingara today (Sunday 8 March) when an additional issue was identified on the network,” a spokesperson said

“For safety reasons, power had to be switched off to a wider area so crews could make the necessary repairs, affecting an additional 303 customers.”

“To ensure the safety of crews working on the network, this area will remain without power until the original planned works are complete. The estimated time of restoration is 4pm today.”

Essential Energy also encouraged locals to check with their electricity retailer to ensure contact details are up to date, so they receive the appropriate notices and alerts.

“We thank the Bingara community for their patience while we complete these works as safely and quickly as possible,” the spokesperson said.


Something going on in your part of the New England people should know about? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@netimes.com.au

RK Crosby is a broadcaster, journalist and pollster, and publisher of the New England Times.