Urgent action needed to avoid blackouts in Alice Springs this summer

Electrical workers at Territory Generation in Alice Springs have called for urgent action to avoid what it fears could be a summer of blackouts following power outages over the weekend

Without urgent action, Centralians may have to stock up on candles this summer.

Electrical workers at Territory Generation in Alice Springs have called for urgent action to avoid what it fears could be a summer of blackouts following power outages over the weekend.

Electrical Trade Union Northern Territory organiser David Hayes said the government made a premature decision to close the Ron Goodin Power Station without enough guarantees that the new Owen Springs Power Station facilities can cope under peak load.

“Testing at the Owen Springs Power Station was done at a time of mild weather in Central Australia. It should have been done during summer to ensure the power station can handle it.” he said.

“We know that without Ron Goodin Power Station as a backup, the ability to restore power in a timely manner will be severely curtailed.”

Energy minister Dale Wakefield said her government is open to working with the Electrical Trade Union.

“We have facilitated discussions between Territory Generation (TGEN) and the Electrical Trade Union on the matters raised,” she said.

“As the ETU outlined, there is an independent consultant (chosen by ETU) that was appointed for the ETU and Territory Generation to utilise where clarity is required in relation to the transition from Ron Goodin to Owen Springs Power Station, and to act as the umpire.”

“The ETU and TGEN have agreed to use this process and I encourage them to continue to work through this process on concerns raised.”

Mr Hayes said he has become increasingly concerned with “Darwin-centric managers” making decisions without properly considering the potential consequences.

“The government seems to be taking the advice of TGEN when workers on the ground who know about this issue intimately are saying this is potentially the wrong thing to do.”

“They can go a long way … by keeping Ron Goodin as fit for purpose in safe isolated conditions which would allow easy start up if/when required.”