As the severe bushfires continue across many parts of northern NSW, safe access to fire impacted areas continues to be the biggest challenge for Essential Energy crews trying to restore power.
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Despite this, restoration works have occurred in some areas with power being restored to more than 5000 customers.
As the fires continue, at least 400 poles need replacing with further damage to the network occuring, causing additional power interruptions to homes and businesses throughout the region.
It is anticipated that more homes and businesses will lose power as fires are expected to take hold due to worsening conditions overnight.
As at 6pm Tuesday night, more than 2000 customers were without power in the MidCoast, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Kempsey, Nambucca and Clarence Valley local government areas.
Aerial inspections of fire impacted areas via helicopter and drones are occurring where possible.
Essential Energy crews will continue to undertake restoration work wherever it is safe to do so and in close consultation with the NSW Rural Fire Service.
As a State-wide total fire-ban has been declared and to free up resources to assist with the restoration efforts, all planned power outage work on Wednesday, November 13 has again been cancelled.
Estimated restoration times can be viewed on Essential Energy's website HERE.
Essential Energy asks for customers' patience with delays, as they navigate extremely dangerous and unprecedented conditions.
Please stay at least eight metres away from fallen or damaged powerlines and report to 13 20 80.
"Essential Energy's thoughts are with the people from many communities that are impacted by these terrible bushfires," a spokesperson said.
