Posted on 18-1-2016
The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) says Central Coast residents were forced to wait days for power to be reconnected following last week’s storm because of massive staff cuts at electricity network operator Ausgrid.
ETU Secretary Steve Butler said that extended delays in the restoration of power supply following storms and major network breakdowns was becoming a regular occurrence because electricity network company’s across the state, including local provider Ausgrid, have cut more than 1,000 front line staff in the past year.
“What we have seen in the past year is the slashing of more than 1,000 front line electricity jobs across NSW with almost fifty of those coming from Ausgrid’s Central Coast depots.” said Steve Butler.
“The community should not be forced to wait days after a storm has passed to have their electricity supply restored.”
“Some parts of the Central Coast around Bateau Bay, Berkley Vale, Somersby and Kulnura were without power for up to four days and we believe that is a direct result of the fifty local jobs that have been cut on the Central Coast.” Mr Butler said.
“Imagine there were an extra twelve work crews out there reconnecting people following last Thursday’s storm – my bet is that every single resident would have been reconnected at least 24 if not 48 hours earlier than what they were.”
“My fear is that this type of delayed response will only get worse in the future because these power companies are planning even more cuts with Ausgrid wanting to sack a further 1,100 workers from the Central Coast, Hunter Valley and Sydney.”
“Our members pride themselves on going out to help the community after major blackouts, often in dangerous conditions, but to have management make a decision to slash jobs makes the task of reconnecting the public more difficult.” said Mr Butler.
“On top of this the Baird Government implemented new regulations in 2014 limiting the amount of compensation payable to customers following extended blackouts while adding a list of conditions that must first be met.”
“Ausgrid customers are now restricted to claiming a measly $80 for blackouts of more than 18 hours however this is not payable if the blackout was caused by a third party or natural disaster, including storm events, meaning that local residents will be left empty handed for the latest blackouts.” said Mr Butler.
“A lot of people are unaware of the massive changes taking place in the electricity sector, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but none of these changes are good for customers.”
The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) says Central Coast residents were forced to wait days for power to be reconnected following last week’s storm because of massive staff cuts at electricity network operator Ausgrid.
ETU Secretary Steve Butler said that extended delays in the restoration of power supply following storms and major network breakdowns was becoming a regular occurrence because electricity network company’s across the state, including local provider Ausgrid, have cut more than 1,000 front line staff in the past year.
“What we have seen in the past year is the slashing of more than 1,000 front line electricity jobs across NSW with almost fifty of those coming from Ausgrid’s Central Coast depots.” said Steve Butler.
“The community should not be forced to wait days after a storm has passed to have their electricity supply restored.”
“Some parts of the Central Coast around Bateau Bay, Berkley Vale, Somersby and Kulnura were without power for up to four days and we believe that is a direct result of the fifty local jobs that have been cut on the Central Coast.” Mr Butler said.
“Imagine there were an extra twelve work crews out there reconnecting people following last Thursday’s storm – my bet is that every single resident would have been reconnected at least 24 if not 48 hours earlier than what they were.”
“My fear is that this type of delayed response will only get worse in the future because these power companies are planning even more cuts with Ausgrid wanting to sack a further 1,100 workers from the Central Coast, Hunter Valley and Sydney.”
“Our members pride themselves on going out to help the community after major blackouts, often in dangerous conditions, but to have management make a decision to slash jobs makes the task of reconnecting the public more difficult.” said Mr Butler.
“On top of this the Baird Government implemented new regulations in 2014 limiting the amount of compensation payable to customers following extended blackouts while adding a list of conditions that must first be met.”
“Ausgrid customers are now restricted to claiming a measly $80 for blackouts of more than 18 hours however this is not payable if the blackout was caused by a third party or natural disaster, including storm events, meaning that local residents will be left empty handed for the latest blackouts.” said Mr Butler.
“A lot of people are unaware of the massive changes taking place in the electricity sector, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but none of these changes are good for customers.”
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