“As part of its responsibility to provide a safe, reliable and sustainable power supply to all customers, Essential schedules regular network maintenance and upgrade work on a daily basis throughout the year,” said Essential Energy North Coast community relations manager Rachel Hussell. 

The power outage impacted 450 customers in the Sancrox area as a result of the planned maintenance work.

Ms Hussell said crews work in hot and cold weather to ensure a safe and reliable electricity network.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s checkpoint at the airport peaked at 40.3 degrees at noon. It was the hottest January day in Port Macquarie since records began in 1996. 

Residents took to social media to question if whether the power outage could have been rescheduled. 

On the Port Macquarie News Facebook page Gail Osborne said she was hoping the hot weather forecast might have delayed the planned power outage.

She said she was disappointed the power outage was extended.

Ms Hussell said the power was unable to be restored until 3.30pm, after it was initially scheduled from 9am until 2pm. This was due to unforeseen circumstances with equipment.

She said the safety of the public, employees and contractors is the company’s priority.  

Resident Mellanie Moore commended Essential Energy for their efforts.

“Thank you to the Essential Energy staff who were working in this extreme heat to do what has to be done,” she said. 

Ms Hussell said the company abided by obligations under the National Energy Customer Framework and provided customers with a minimum of four business days’ prior notice.

Essential Energy crews will proceed with planned work on Friday, January 20. 

They will work to replace a power pole on the corner of Guy and Charles Streets, Wauchope and along Rawdon Island Road.

For more information people can call 13 20 80.