Ausgrid postpones planned outages ahead of heatwave conditions

24 January 2024

Ausgrid postpones planned outages across the Hunter region ahead of heatwave conditions

Ausgrid has postponed all planned works in the Hunter region for 25 January due to the forecasted heatwave weather conditions.

In making the decision to halt this work for Thursday, Ausgrid considers a range of factors including the customers affected, the safety of its crews and the nature of the work required.

Ausgrid’s acting Group Executive for Operations Matthew Sweeting said Ausgrid has all available emergency crews on standby ready to respond to any power outages that occur across the network.

“The safety of our customers and our staff is our priority during these periods of extreme weather,” Mr Sweeting said.

“Reviewing and cancelling works is part of our standard planning for these very hot conditions. Our operators review the network, and the required work to ensure our emergency crews are ready to respond to any unplanned outages as quickly as possible.”

Ausgrid will continue to review all its planned work which requires power to be interrupted to customers.

In places where temperatures are forecast to reach 37 degrees planned maintenance work is usually cancelled, except in cases where customers agree to the work going ahead.

With upcoming heatwave conditions, Ausgrid is urging customers to prepare now for the higher temperatures to stay cool and save money.

Ausgrid is advising customers using air conditioning to set it to the correct temperature, and use the power save mode if available.

“The optimum range for air conditioning is between 23 and 26 degrees and every degree of cooling below that can add up to 10% to your running costs,” Mr Sweeting said. “You can also save by using fans.

“Take advantage of blinds and awnings to keep the house cooler and if you have a pool only run the pool pump when required.”

Ausgrid customers can opt in for text message notifications to get up-to-date information about all work in their area or contact Ausgrid directly on 13 13 65.

For more advice go to: Heatwaves and the electricity network. Check the status of planned works on the Power Outage List.

Ausgrid Media | 9966 7985