During the state election the government announced a policy to sell off poles and wires to recoup 

$20 billion; of this amount $6 billion to be set aside for structural works in rural areas. 

The regulators’ determination means that the state government can expect a greatly reduced return from the idea and rural areas; a huge reduction in the hoped-for funds for structural works.

The electricity distributors are not impressed with the price reduction determination and consequently foresee the loss of 2300 jobs from the electricity supply industry.

Job reduction will impact on customer service, especially during flood and fire disasters like those being experienced at the moment by all the coastal communities.

For example, my brother lives at Wamberal on the Central Coast and recently, as a result of storm damage, he was without power for six days. 

Six days of candlelit dinners and barbecue lose their romantic appeal, particularly when there is no electricity for refrigeration, shops, mobile phones and other services.

I cannot imagine the increased hardship faced by folk in disaster areas once there are 2300 fewer staff to attend their needs. 

It would be similar to conditions in a third-world country.

There will be a price to be paid for the 31 per cent price reduction and, like everything else promised in the past, we will be the ones to fully bear the hardship.

AE Stannard

Tamworth