Connections for bushfire-affected customers

Background

The 2019/2020 bushfire season was unprecedented. Across NSW 2,439 homes and more than 6,500 buildings have been lost, possibly up to a billion wildlife perished and, tragically, 34 people lost their lives.

More than 104,000 Essential Energy customers had their power supply impacted by fires over this time, with our teams replacing 3,200 poles, 4,500 cross arms and using over 430,000 materials to make repairs.

The devastating event will never be forgotten with the priority now on helping those impacted. To assist bushfire-affected customers Essential Energy is providing a reimbursement for power supply connection.

When assisting a bushfire-affected customer to connect to Essential Energy’s network, please assist us with connection application and reimbursement processing by taking the following steps:

• submit an Application for Low Voltage Connection, stating on it that the application is for a ‘Rural New Connection’ (even if the connection is for an urban area), and
• note in the comment section that this is for a bushfire-affected customer.

Please provide as much information as possible to assist us in reviewing and processing the application. If possible, also provide photos and / or sketches of the existing and future sites.

The Briefing on Connections for Bushfire-Affected Customers under Information on Essential Engagement will provide more information on connection application and customer reimbursement processes.

What do you need to do?

1. Review the Briefing document '20200512 - Connections for Bushfire-Affected Customers' located on the Document Library and Essential Engagement.
2. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.

Further Information

If you need further information, please email ancillary.services@essentialenergy.com.au