Acting Regional Manager North Coast, Luke Davis, said Essential Energy operates across 95 per cent of NSW and can have teams working across difficult alpine terrain and near icy or wet roads in the cooler months.

“The nature of unplanned outages means Essential Energy crews can find themselves working in freezing conditions, on frost-laden or wet ground, and potentially near roads,” Luke said.

Essential Energy crews wear high visibility clothing, operate fog and hazard lights in poor weather conditions, and always display safety signage.

Where possible, motorists are encouraged to plan a route that avoids areas where repairs to the electrical network are being undertaken or to allocate extra travel time to get to their destination.

If you identify damaged electricity infrastructure, contact Essential Energy immediately on 13 20 80, treat fallen powerlines and anything in contact with them as ‘live’, and remain at least eight metres clear.

Essential Energy also recommends keeping an emergency safety kit handy in case of power outages during the cold weather.

Suggested items include:

• A flashlight with a supply of batteries

• Candles and waterproof matches

• A portable radio with spare batteries to keep you informed of the situation

• Non-perishable food, a can opener, and fresh drinking water

• Spare warm dry clothing and blankets

• A first aid kit and essential medications 

• A list of emergency contact numbers, including Essential Energy’s 13 20 80 Supply Interruptions number.

For more information on electrical safety, visit: www.essentialenergy.com.au/safety or call Essential Energy on 13 23 91.