Susanna Freymark
State MP Richie Williamson wants the premier to financially support people impacted by the recent 24-hour power outage in Richmond Valley.
Businesses and residents in Coraki, Broadwater, Evans Head, Woodburn, and surrounding areas experienced a major power outage caused by a thunderstorm on Sunday, November 10.
Mr Williamson said a lightning strike severely damaged a critical 66kV power pole on Riverbank Road at Pimlico leading to a blackout lasting more 24 hours and impacting about 4000 customers.
“While Essential Energy has done an incredible job, this unplanned outage has hit local businesses hard, with many losing valuable trading days and stock—a setback they can ill afford as they continue recovering from the 2022 floods,” Mr Williamson said.
Mr Williamson has written to Premier Chris Minns and in parliament he formally called on the government to provide financial assistance for the affected residents and businesses, similar to the support provided to those impacted by the Broken Hill outage.
Last month in the Broken Hill region, more than 12,000 properties were without power for a “prolonged period” according to the State Government.
Some businesses in Broken Hill reported losing up to $20,000 in food stock during that time.
Compensation was offered – $200 to residents and $400 to small to medium businesses.
“This situation is very similar to the outage in Broken Hill, and while the duration here was thankfully shorter, the impact on our local economy is significant,” Mr Williamson said.
