Manager community relations northern, David Crough, said the storms caused significant damage to the electricity network and that Essential Energy crews first worked to ensure the safety of the public and their property, and then to restore power as quickly as safety allowed.

“The damage to the electricity network was significant and included many fallen service lines, which link homes and businesses to the electricity network, and powerlines due to the wind, trees, and damaged buildings,” David said.

“The first unplanned power outage occurred at 7.01pm and affected 861 households and businesses, the second affected 2,114 at 7.02pm, the third affected 1,818 at 7.46pm and the fourth 67 at 9.08pm.”

Essential Energy crews reduced the number of households and businesses affected by the unplanned power outage from the storm to 2776 by 2am Saturday morning and then to another 1939 by 2.45am.

Crews were then able to reduce this number to 830 shortly after 9am, to 450 by midday and to 380 by 1pm Saturday afternoon.

“Crews worked as quickly as safety allowed and by approximately 2.30pm Saturday afternoon power had been progressively restored to all customers,” David said.

“To ensure power was restored as quickly as possible extra crews and equipment were brought in from Bathurst, Blayney, Condobolin, Dubbo, Forbes, Lake Cargelligo, Narromine, Orange, Peak Hill, Trundle and Wellington to assist our Parkes crews.”

Essential Energy reminds the public to report fallen or damaged powerlines immediately by calling 13 20 80 and to stay at least eight metres away from the line and anything in contact with it.

“We thank customers for their understanding as crews worked to repair the damage to the electricity network from the storms,” David said.