Essential Energy crews were quick to respond to an unplanned power outage which affected more than 900 households and businesses in Cobar, including parts of the central business district, around 1pm last Wednesday.
Manager community relations Northern David Crough said for the safety of the public and their property Essential Energy’s safety equipment switched power off after a crane contacted powerlines.
The crane had been working on the golf course moving a shipping container off the back of the truck when it came in contact with a power line.
“Our crew’s first priorities were to ensure the safety of the operator and to make the area safe and then to restore power as quickly as possible,” Mr Crough said.
“Local crews ensured power was isolated to the area, allowing the crane to be safely removed and electricity was restored to all customers at 1.49pm.”
In the light of this potentially serious incident Essential Energy urges operators to take care when moving heavy machinery around work sites.
Mr Crough said in the event that machinery does accidentally contact poles, powerlines or stay wires, even if the lines don’t fall, Essential Energy should be contacted.
He advised machinery operators and workers should familiarise themselves with the emergency powerline incident procedure.
“This includes remaining calm and staying in the vehicle until the power has been isolated and advising bystanders to remain at least eight metres clear of the vehicle or anything in contact with it,” Mr Crough said.
