Power outage NSW Far West: Monster storm could leave 1400 homes without electricity ‘for weeks’

Massive thunderstorms that destroyed part of the electricity network in far western NSW have sparked an emergency crisis response from authorities as at least 1400 homes and businesses could be left in the dark for weeks.

Severe electrical storms that swept in from South Australia, with wind gusts up to 130km/h and bringing thousands of lighting strikes, cut power to Broken Hill and surrounding communities on Thursday. Picture: Supplied

An many as 1400 homes in remote communities in far western NSW could be without power for “weeks”.

Severe thunderstorms on Thursday smashed through electricity transmission towers and powerlines supplying about 10,000 households and businesses in Broken Hill and smaller surrounding towns including Wilcannia.

On Friday authorities confirmed that while a large-scale emergency back-up generator had restored power to about 9000 customers, an estimated 1,400 homes and businesses around Wilcannia, Menindee and White Cliffs were still without power.

It will take a “number of weeks” to construct temporary towers to restore the transmission line.

In Broken Hill (pictured) and surrounding communities including Wilcannia, more than 10,000 electricity customers were left without power. Picture: Dylan Robinson

As part of its emergency response to the mass outage, the state government is co-ordinating assistance across a number public agencies with the help of power companies Transgrid and Essential Energy.

Supplies including generators, fuel pods, cool rooms and lighting towers are being trucked in while special Starlink satellite internet connections to the area are being organised.

NSW Police is co-ordinating the support and will manage the distribution of fuel supplies.

The NSW Rural Fire Service is setting up community hubs at its stations in Menindee, Wilcannia and White Cliffs.

Essential supples such as generators and cool rooms are being trucked into the affected area. Picture: Carla Gottgens/Bloomberg via Getty Images

SES units at Menindee and Wilcannia are open for residents to charge devices and are supplying generators to local organisations.

NSW Health is contacting vulnerable patients while Essential Energy is making contact with registered “Life Support” customers without power.

The Education Department has mobilised an Emergency Response Unit to deliver generators from Sydney to schools in the Far West, with a priority for schools with students sitting the HSC.

Transgrid and Essential Energy are also deploying small mobile generators in multiple locations.

Temporary towers will take weeks to install to replace transmission towers and lines downed by the storms. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The government is urging travellers to delay plans to visit the area surrounding Broken Hill, Wilcannia, Menindee and White Cliffs.

Premier Chris Minns said the government was working to ensure communities get access to the essentials they need.

“Contractors are also downing tools on other jobs to respond to this incident and energy providers and government teams are working around the clock to restore power to the region.”

Energy Minister Penny Sharpe encouraged people in the affected area to minimise electricity usage specifically during the evening peak period — 5.30pm to 10.30pm.

Customers, including Life Support customers, can contact Essential Energy on its outage line on 13 20 80 for support.