Power update – 16 January - 7:00am

Overnight, Endeavour Energy emergency crews responded to widespread damage caused by severe thunderstorms with significant lightning strikes across the Endeavour Energy region. At its peak power supply was impacted to 55,000 customers across the Blue Mountains, Western Sydney, Illawarra and the South Coast.

Power has now been restored to 20,000 customers across the region. Additional emergency crews have been called in to respond to the damage to the network and safely restore power as quickly as possible to the remaining 30,000 customers throughout the impact areas in the Blue Mountains, Western Sydney, Illawarra and the South Coast. A storm currently moving through the South Coast may impact additional customers in this area.

As the recovery continues, Endeavour Energy crews are asking people to put safety first by staying at least 8 metres from any fallen power lines and other damaged electrical equipment, and to be especially careful of damaged infrastructure hidden by fallen trees, branches, and other storm debris.

We are proactively contacting affected customers via SMS (where we have their contact details) to provide them updates on estimated restoration times.

If customers or anyone residing at their home need power for home medical equipment,  we encourage them to check battery supply and consider acting on their back up plan. Customers can contact us now on 131 003 to register for life support.

Thank you for your understanding as our storm response continues.

STAYING SAFE:

• Treat all powerlines as 'live' and dangerous by keeping at least 8m clear of them. Never drive across fallen powerlines!
• Report fallen powerlines immediately by calling us 24/7 on 131 003
• Avoid all contact with wires that are hanging low, on the ground or tangled in trees and other storm debris.
• If you’re using a portable generator for power, stay safe and avoid deadly exhaust fumes entering your home.

* For life-threatening emergencies call 000

* For emergency and rescue assistance call NSW SES on 132 500

* Find estimated power restoration times at www.endeavourenergy.com.au/outage