Essential Energy say all those affected have been notified

Specialist Essential Energy crews have commenced major work at the Walcha zone substation to ensure a safe and reliable power supply for Walcha and the surrounding area.

Operations manager Northern Tablelands, Mark Summers, said the upgrade and maintenance work would include the replacement of a major transformer and two circuit breakers which are reaching end of life.

“There is a main and backup transformer within the Walcha zone substation and this upgrade will include the replacement of one these transformers,” Mark said.

Essential Energy hopes to be able to limit the number of planned power outages associated with the major works to two, with the first scheduled between 11pm next Monday, March 4 and 5am next Tuesday, March 5. 

The outage will affect 2,019 homes and businesses, in Walcha, Yarrowitch, Nowendoc, Woolbrook and surrounding rural areas. Affected homes and businesses have been notified.

“The planned power outage has been scheduled overnight to reduce the inconvenience for local households and businesses,” Mark said.

The outage is dependent on suitable weather conditions and may be postponed if conditions are unfavourable or unforeseen circumstances arise.

“While the upgrade and maintenance work will be completed over several months, crews will switch the electricity network in the Walcha area between the main and backup transformer so as to reduce the number and length of planned power outages associated with the works,” Mark said.

The project is being completed by specialist Essential Energy crews from Armidale and Inverell.

"We thank customers for their understanding and patience while we work to secure the power network for their local community,” Mark said.

Essential Energy say they will notify customers of the second planned power outage associated with these works once the date and times are known.