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.
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.
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 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.
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.