The storm caused unplanned power outages for more than 60,000 homes and businesses across Essential Energy’s distribution area, including at least 31,000 on the Mid North Coast

According to Essential Energy north coast regional manager, Ross Berry the worst affected areas were Pacific Palms, Bungwahl, Coomba Park, Blueys Beach, Bulahdelah and Smiths Lake and in the Manning, Coopernook and Lansdowne.

Power was restored to much of Pacific Palms and Bungwahl by Friday evening, while some residents in Smiths Lake were forced to wait until Saturday evening.

Parts of Port Macquarie-Hastings, Bellingen and surrounding areas also were affected.

“The damage to the electricity network from the storms was significant and was mostly caused by vegetation coming into contact with and damaging critical electrical infrastructure and equipment,” Mr Berry said.

“Given the amount of damage to the network additional crews and equipment from Albury, Bega, Cooma, Goulburn, Moruya, Queanbeyan, Wagga Wagga, Yass and Young were brought in to assist local crews from Bulahdelah, Dungog, Gloucester, Taree, Port Macquarie, Kempsey, Nambucca Heads, Coffs Harbour and Dorrigo to restore power as quickly as safety allowed for customers.”

Essential Energy crews were able to restore power after the storms to about 7000 homes and businesses affected by Thursday night and Friday morning and by Saturday evening, power had been restored to just under 20,000 customers in total affected by the storms.

“Crews have worked as quickly as safety has allowed and by 7pm on Friday the number of homes and businesses across the Mid North Coast affected by an unplanned power outage due to the storms had been reduced to 12,000, then to 2000 by Saturday evening and by 8pm today (Sunday) to just under 1000 customers,” he said.

Power was restored by Essential Energy to majority of homes and businesses in the Bellingen area on Friday however, further interruption to that area occurred when the network was impacted by unstable vegetation.

“The effort put in by local and visiting crews to repair the significant damage to the electricity network from the storms and then to restore power for customers has been significant and very much appreciated.”

Essential Energy reminds the public to report issues with the electricity network, including fallen or damaged powerlines, immediately by calling 13 20 80 and to stay at least eight metres away from the line and anything in contact with it.

“We thank customers for their understanding and patience as we have worked to restore power for all customers after the storm.”