NSW Government Unveils Urgent $4 Million Support Package for Power Outage Victims

The area is currently relying on a large-scale backup generator while interim towers are being constructed, expected to be operational by Nov. 6.

Broken Hill in New South Wales, Australia, on Sept. 24, 2021. Jenny Evans/Getty Images

The New South Wales (NSW) government has announced a $4 million community support package for households and small to medium-sized businesses affected by recent electrical outages.

This funding includes $1.5 million from Transgrid.

The series of outages began in far western NSW after a severe storm on Oct. 17 damaged seven Transgrid transmission towers, disrupting the power supply to remote communities like Broken Hill, Tibooburra, Wilcannia, Menindee, and White Cliffs.

According to government figures, over 12,000 properties have experienced power loss, significantly disrupting families and businesses. Most schools have also been shut in the area.

The area is currently relying on a large-scale backup generator provided by Transgrid while interim towers are being constructed. They are expected to be operational by Nov. 6.

The financial support package includes a $200 payment for residential electricity account holders impacted by the outages, accessible through Service NSW. Small to medium-sized businesses will receive $400 grants.

Immediate Relief Efforts

In partnership with Foodbank NSW/ACT, the NSW government is providing pantry staples, fresh produce, food hampers, and mobile cold rooms at key locations in the Far West region, targeting areas most severely affected by the outages.

Additionally, the government is working with various agencies and industry representatives to address long-term recovery needs. This includes collaborating with the insurance sector to offer guidance to residents and businesses, along with mental health support.

“This support package is a critical way to provide much-needed relief to the people of the Far West impacted by the outage as we work to get the lights back on,” Premier Chris Minns said.

CEO of Transgrid, Brett Redman, said the primary focus is on safely restoring supply and working to minimise impacts to the community.

“We hope that this financial support goes some way to assisting those impacted during the past week and we again thank the community for their patience,” he said.

Energy Use Advisory

In the meantime, the government has issued an advisory urging residents to reduce energy use during the crisis, particularly between 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. This measure aims to ensure the existing backup generator continues functioning effectively during peak evening hours.

Residents are advised to turn off non-essential appliances, use lights only in occupied rooms, and raise air conditioning temperatures to around 26 degrees while keeping blinds, windows, and doors closed. Outside these hours, residents can use electricity as normal.

“The best way to avoid load shedding is for households and small businesses to reduce their use of energy during the evening peak,” Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said.

Expanded Relief Efforts

In addition to the support package, the NSW Government has issued a Natural Disaster Declaration, granting access to State-Commonwealth disaster funding for Broken Hill, Central Darling Shire, and the Far West Unincorporated Area.

The government also declared an Electricity Supply Emergency for the Far West region under the Electricity Supply Act (1995), allowing the Minister for Energy to implement necessary measures to address the emergency.

Transgrid and Essential Energy are deploying additional generators to the region to reduce reliance on the main backup generator. This aims to prevent rolling blackouts essential for maintaining stability across the broader network.

Inquiry Launched into Transgrid’s Regulatory Compliance

Meanwhile, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal has initiated an inquiry to assess Transgrid’s adherence to its regulatory obligations, although the tribunal has yet to determine if the company has violated its licensing conditions.

Premier Chris Minns previously criticised the former Coalition government’s decision to privatise electricity assets, claiming it has disappointed residents in the Far West.

His remarks about Transgrid ignited a heated debate in the NSW Parliament regarding the impact of privatisation, with the opposition demanding an explanation for the downtime of the region’s second backup generator.