2pm: Essential Energy crews had to fix a spot problem to “ensure the electricity network remained safe and reliable”, leading to a brief power outage to 1277 homes and businesses in West Tamworth today.

Northern region manager Mark Summers said maintenance crews had spotted a problem join between two Bourne St powerlines, which had needed immediate action.

“As soon as we became aware, we worked as quickly as safety allowed to make repairs and restore power for customers,” Mr Summers said.

The urgent outage affected premises in Coledale and along parts of Gunnedah Road.

The power was switched off at 11.51am and restored at 12.22pm.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank customers for their understanding as we worked to ensure the electricity network remained safe and reliable,” Mr Summers said.

EARLIER:

12.45pm: Electricity supply to a large part of West Tamworth is back on after a short unplanned outage.

People working in the area told The Leader the outage had lasted only about 20 to 30 minutes.

It was back on by 12.30pm; The Leader has contacted Essential Energy for details on how it occurred and was fixed.

Meanwhile, a planned outage will take place on Sunday for residents of the Nundle, Hanging Rock, Bowling Alley Point, Dungowan and Woolomin areas.

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An estimated 940 households and businesses will be affected, according to the Essential Energy website.

The power will go out at 5am and be back on about 11am, while workers work on pole replacement.

Slightly to the west, a small area between the New England Highway and Lindsays Gap Road will have the power cut on Friday between 9am and 1pm.

That is so a crew can conduct vegetation management, and just 17 customers are expected to be affected.