Local MP Greg Warren has rebuked Endeavour Energy following a power outage earlier this week that left hundreds of households in East Campbelltown without power.
It was the second outage in 10 days, and the third in just over a month.
Indeed there have been regular outages across Minto Heights, Leumeah, Ruse and Kentlyn during the past two to three years.
The company has offered an apology after this latest blackout, and only after the Member for Campbelltown started asking questions.
“Endeavour Energy apologises for recent outages in the area,’’ the power company said in a statement.
“The first was due to a tree falling over power lines.
More recently, a defective switch caused an outage earlier this week and then another yesterday afternoon. This was unusual as it occurred on a recently upgraded section of the network.
“Following reports of the outage yesterday afternoon, Endeavour Energy crews inspected the network and restored power to all but one affected customers within four hours.
“The outage was caused by a defective switch on the electricity network. Like any electrical equipment, switches can occasionally develop defects that affect their operation.
“We thank customers for their patience and understanding.’’
While Mr Warren welcomed Endeavour Energy’s statement after the latest outage, he made it clear they needed to do better in the future.
“This has been simply unacceptable,’’ he told the South West Voice.
“I accept that at certain times there needs to be maintenance works, repairs and upgrades, but what I do not accept is local residents not being adequately informed what’s happening and the impact of any such work.
“I thank the local resident who brought this to my attention; once I came to understand these issues, I gave it the priority attention that it demanded.’’
Mr Warren also pointed out that private companies such as Endeavour are not under direct control of the State Government.
“It reminded me of my long-standing and strong opposition to the sell off and privatisation of essential public assets such as electricity.’’
