Port Stephens and surrounding areas power outage

Port Stephens and surrounding communities are experiencing an electricity outage after electrical storms swept across large parts of New South Wales on Wednesday 15 January.

These storms severely damaged energy infrastructure, impacting power supplies to parts of the Port Stephens, Maitland, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Lower Hunter areas.

Energy crews have been working tirelessly to restore power to tens of thousands of homes and businesses.

As of 5 pm today, Ausgrid advises 17,000 customers remain without power in Port Stephens, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Lower Hunter.

This is down from more than 70,000 across that region at the height of the storm. Statewide, more than 220,000 customers lost power when the storms hit – the vast majority have had electricity restored.

The NSW Government immediately activated an emergency response and is coordinating assistance across a number of emergency services and government agencies, as well as electricity companies, who are responding to this event. This work has included:

• Activating NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) crews, the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) volunteer network and Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) to respond to more than 1,400 incidents in the area including damage to essential infrastructure.
• Coordinating with energy distributor Ausgrid as it works to safely restore power and provide updates to affected customers. They are assisting vulnerable customers who rely on medical equipment, including providing small generators.
• Coordinating with New Life Community Relief Charity, which has deployed a food truck to provide meals for the community. The food truck is now on-site at Raymond Terrace (the Community Church), 10 Richardson Road, Raymond Terrace 2324. There are no set operating hours.

The NSW Government has also mobilised the NSW Reconstruction Authority which is on the ground and working with local councils to assess the impacts of these storms for a potential Natural Disaster Declaration.

The community is reminded to please put safety first over the coming days:

• Follow the guidance of emergency service crews.
• Stay away from fallen trees and powerlines. Stay at least 8 metres clear of fallen wires, and assume they are live.
• Never drive, walk or play in flood waters.
• Monitor rainfall in local areas and avoid travelling during heavy rain.
• Download the Hazards Near Me App or visits ses.nsw.gov.au to stay across the latest warnings and information.
• Report fallen powerlines immediately by calling your electricity distributor, which in this region is Ausgrid, on 131 388.
• For assistance from the SES during floods or storms please call: 132 500
• If you have an emergency, please call Triple 0 (000) or the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 for non-urgent matters.

Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe said:

'The NSW Government understands how disruptive power outages are.

'We’re coordinating closely with energy companies as they repair infrastructure and restore power to homes and businesses, and we will continue to provide information as soon as possible.

'I want to thank the crews who are working around the clock to get power back to homes and businesses as quickly as possible.'

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:

'This weather has caused significant damage and widespread outages across the Hunter, and I know how much this impacts people and how unsettling this can be. Not knowing what’s coming next can be tough, but I want everyone to know that the NSW Government is here to support you.

'The safety and well-being of our communities is our absolute priority. Please make sure you stay updated using the Hazards Near Me app, the SES website, and BOM warnings. And if you find yourself in an emergency, don’t hesitate to call triple zero - help is always available.

'To our extraordinary emergency workers who work day and night, putting others before themselves to keep us safe - your dedication and bravery don’t go unnoticed, and we are endlessly grateful for all you do.”

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib said:

'We know that many people across the state have been impacted by these widespread storms and emergency services are working quickly to help people.

'There have been a high number of calls, and I would like to thank our incredible SES volunteers and emergency responders who have responded to these incidents and provided vital support for the community. 

'They have been busy throughout the night and will respond as needed as this wet weather continues. Please continue to monitor the weather conditions and follow the advice of emergency services.'

Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington said:

'The situation is slowly improving in Port Stephens, but thousands of local families continue to be without power, and many households still do not have access to phone or internet reception. 

'For people who are disconnected from power and communications, this is an emergency. The NSW Government is working around the clock to respond to immediate needs and plan for any further assistance that may be required.

'On behalf of our community, I acknowledge and thank the men and women who are working to restore power, and our emergency services personnel who continue to respond to people in need.'