Tamworth blackout: Thousands of homes remain in darkness after storms

Essential Energy crews were able to gain access to the broken line which made repairs quicker and no more storm damage was detected using a helicopter.

Customers of Essential Energy are thanked for their patience.

STORMS that blew through Tamworth have wreaked havoc on the main powerline to the region.

At least 8,500 homes including those in Kootingal, Moore Creek, Daruka and Tamworth have been stuck in darkness since Saturday afternoon.

Crews are busy trying to restore power to a remaining 2,800 homes on Monday, acting regional manager Jim Burdett said.

“Lightning from Sunday afternoon storm has caused damage on the main powerline which supplies power to Kootingal and Moonbi, and parts of Bendemeer, Daruka and Moore Creek,” he said.

“Crews completed repairs to one section of the powerline on Sunday night, but then further damage to the electricity network was found in the early hours of Monday.”

Essential Energy hopes to be able to restore power to all customers by late Monday afternoon.

“The damage to the network is in a gully which is making access and repairs difficult,” Mr Burdett said.

Homes and businesses in Currabubula, Quirindi, Spring Ridge, Werris Creek and Willow Tree have experienced unplanned power outages as a result of storms on Saturday afternoon.

The severe weather caused major damage to the main powerline that supplies the Liverpool Plains and surrounding areas and forced a power pole to fall down.

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The Liverpool Plains area was reconnected in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Energy companies are urging the public to report fallen or damaged powerlines immediately and to stay at least eight metres away from the line.

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