Ergon Energy appeals for greater respect from FNQ customers as crews cop hiking rates of abuse

Maintenance workers in FNQ are demanding greater respect as they rely on police escorts to protect them from savage treatment. Find out the abuse they’re copping.

A total of 13 sites in the Far North are off limits to Ergon Energy crews without police escort because of risk to their safety from the public.

Ergon has reported more than 300 incidents statewide in three years of abuse towards its staff that included customers brandishing weapons, spitting and setting vicious dogs on field crews.

Chris Juhas, Ergon Energy’s tropical coast area manager and Cassowary Coast resident of 18 years, said it’s something his teams should not have to deal with while they’re trying to maintain the electricity grid for the sake of the public.

Ergon Energy crews out restoring power to Townsville suburbs after the floods.

“It’s a lot of verbal abuse. I’ve had some occasions of people driving by yelling profanities,” Mr Juhas said.

“The crews are doing a high-risk activity: working on live line. They need their focus to be on the job to keep themselves safe, not on copping abuse.

“There’s been cases where we require police escort to do our job.

“(The crews) do take it to heart … emotionally, this does affect our people.

“We’re all community members and we’re just trying to do our best.”

Paul Jordan, executive general manager of operations at Ergon Energy, reminded customers to keep their cool, remain patient and exercise courtesy toward his field crews to prevent accidents and delays on high-risk worksites.

“Our crews strive to keep communities safe during storms, floods, fires, vehicle accidents and business as usual,” he said.

“While most people are courteous and reasonable, some … are incredibly threatening and downright abusive.

“It’s not much to ask for some common courtesy from customers.”

Originally published as Ergon Energy appeals for greater respect from FNQ customers as crews cop hiking rates of abuse