Essential Energy's announcement that it will cut 182 jobs by September 30 has seen both the Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall and Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party candidate Rayne Single hit out strongly against the decision.
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A spokeswoman for Essential Energy said a number of field and non-field roles will be impacted in the Tamworth region, and the final number would be determined through the consultation process.
Mr Single said country NSW already suffered from diminishing services, and now communities were being further disadvantaged.
Mr Marshall called for Essential Energy CEO, John Cleland, to be stood down. Mr Cleland wrote to Mr Marshall to inform him of the company's decision that Mr Marshall labelled 'reprehensible'.
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"I'm absolutely furious this cloak and dagger decision has been made without any consultation with communities or Members of Parliament, at a time when farming areas are being financially devastated by drought," he said.
"Mr Cleland is an out of touch bureaucrat who clearly has no concept we are going through the worst drought in the state's history and these 182 people have families.
"They live in our communities and cannot afford any job losses because everyone is hurting."
The Essential Energy spokeswoman said a series of programs and initiatives to deliver a better service at lower cost would be progressed over the next three years.
"As we drive efficiencies in our business, we will also be ensuring that we have the right size workforce across our service territory," she said. "These changes will allow us to continue to deliver the high quality of service our customers want at a lower cost."
Mr Marshall said he is seeking advice as to whether the job cuts can be stopped or put on hold.
"I am looking into what powers the NSW Government has to direct the company board not to continue," he said.
