Endeavour Energy Flood Update 24 March 2021 – 6:00PM

With clear weather today, Endeavour Energy has focused its plans on restoring power to the remaining 1,900 flood-affected customers as soon as rivers recede and safe access is possible.

This is likely to take several days. Roads and bridges need to be reopened for repairs and safety checks to be completed to re-energise the network.

We used today’s good weather to take to the sky with helicopter patrols across the Hawkesbury region. Crews were able to check damage to parts of the network which have been inaccessible until now.

Endeavour Energy recognises that flood affected customers have endured a lot. This is a one in 50 years natural disaster. Our people are working around the clock to help restore power and assist with information updates until access is available.

When customers return home after flooding, there’s some simple steps needed to stay safe. If a property has been impacted by flood water, it is essential for property owners to have a licensed electrician:

• inspect the wiring, switchboard, mains connection, electrical appliances and any solar panels or batteries connected to the premises
• check their wiring is safe before connecting a generator to power their property.

Portable generators must only be run outside (never inside or in a garage) and well away from open windows so deadly exhaust does not enter the home.

Customers are urged not to connect a generator to their switchboard unless there is an isolation switch installed by a licensed electrician. This is to avoid sending electricity back up powerlines and making isolated parts of the network dangerous for workers and the broader community.

Always stay at least 8 metres clear of any damaged or fallen powerlines and report them immediately by calling Endeavour Energy on 131 003.

For further information see www.endeavourenergy.com.au and follow Endeavour Energy on Facebook and Twitter.

The attached photo shows a shipping container wedged under powerlines uncovered by aerial patrols today.

Helpful contacts:

• For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500
• Flood safety www.ses.nsw.gov.au
• Weather forecasts and warnings www.bom.gov.au
• Radio updates www.abc.net.au
• Traffic conditions and flood impacts www.emergency.nsw.gov.au.

Government assistance www.service.nsw.gov.au