NSW: Homes to remain without power for a week

AAP General News (Australia)
12-27-2001
NSW: Homes to remain without power for a week

About 10,000 homes which lost electricity in the bushfires could be without power until
the middle of next week at the earliest, as the mammoth repair job begins around New South
Wales.

Integral Energy spokeswoman KATE MECUE says about 2,000 homes have had their power
restored, with Warragamba, Helensburgh, Huskisson and Oakdale the hardest hit areas.

Ms MECUE says Emu Plains, Kurrajong and Springwood are also badly affected.

She says bushfires have burnt 300 high-voltage poles to the ground and ruined or severely
damaged about 12 kilometres of network.

She says the restoration process is slow and complicated and people should be aware
power won't be back quickly.

In Helensburgh, power poles will need to be drilled into sandstone.

Ms MECUE says Integral Energy had to liaise with emergency services in order to get
its crews into fire-ravaged areas.

She says the utility company's also handing out leaflets at road blocks advising customers
about restoration times and precautions they should take.

AAP RTV ld/nf/tb/jas

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES NSW POWER (SYDNEY)

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