Essential Energy's Operations Manager Central, Bronwyn Sigmund, said the planned power outage had been originally scheduled for mid-May, but had to be postponed after heavy rain in the proceeding days meant that ground conditions were too boggy for the works to proceed.

"During the rescheduled power outage crews will replace seven cross-arms, two insulators and one power pole, along with other maintenance tasks," Bronwyn said.

The works were identified as part of Essential Energy's cyclical aspect inspection programs and will minimise the risk of equipment failure, and in turn unplanned power outages, for homes and businesses and ensure the electricity network remains safe for the community.

"As part of Essential Energy's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all maintenance work requiring a power outage is being carefully assessed however these works do need to be completed to ensure the network remains safe and reliable for customers," Bronwyn said.

Essential Energy has developed operational protocols to ensure employee, contractor and community safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Given the number of customers who will be affected by the planned power outage, and with the relaxing of COVID-19 restrictions meaning schools and many businesses are now open again, we have been able to schedule the works on this occasion for a Sunday to minimise the inconvenience on the wider community," Bronwyn said.

"We've also undertaken significant planning to reduce the number of power outages required for these works to one and to minimise its duration."

The scheduled works are dependent on suitable weather conditions and may be postponed if the conditions are unfavourable or unforeseen circumstances arise.