Barraba will be without power for three hours next weekend as maintenance work is undertaken.
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The planned power outage will affect Barraba and the surrounding area on Sunday, June 14 between 5am and 8am.
Essential Energy's Mark Summers said a routine asset inspection had identified electrical network components which were nearing end of life. These will be replaced during the outage.
"The planned power outage will enable crews to safely undertake maintenance work to minimise the risk of equipment failure, and in turn unplanned power outages for customers, and ensue the electricity network remains safe for the community," the Northern Tablelands operations manager said.
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Given the planned power outage will affect all of Barraba, including schools and businesses, Essential Energy was able to schedule the outage for early on a Sunday to minimise its inconvenience on the wider community.
"In addition to completing the works early on a Sunday, significant planning has also been undertaken to minimise the number of planned power outages required to one, and to minimise its duration," Mr Summers said.
Essential Energy has developed operational protocols to ensure employee, contractor and community safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Households and businesses affected by the planned power outage will receive Essential Energy's standard notification and those living near worksites will also be advised of this.
"We appreciate the planned power outage may cause inconvenience for some customers, and that those living near worksites may be affected by noise and light during the works. However, the works are necessary to ensure a safe and reliable electricity network for the community," Mr Summers said.
The scheduled works are dependent on suitable conditions and may be postponed if the conditions are unfavourable or unforeseen circumstances arise.