Energy Australia have confirmed that the major outage that had been planned for 1 September through to 30 November has now been deferred until 2022 amid growing concerns regarding the delta outbreak of COVID19 currently affecting Sydney.
The outage was intended to focus on inspections, repair and replacement of key components, something the company and the community had been planning for all year.
The outage would see a number of contractors visit the region, and has in the past been a boost to the hospitality and accomodation industry.
“As a major employer and provider of an essential service, EnergyAustralia’s primary focus is the health and safety of our people and the local community,” said Liz Westcott, Chief Operating Officer at EnergyAustralia.
“We arrived at this decision after careful consideration, which took into account a range of factors, including the feedback we received from within the local community, needs of the energy system, changes to logistics, technical matters and more,” Ms Westcott continued.
“We take seriously the responsibility to act in the interests of the local community, while ensuring we can continue to deliver reliable power to New South Wales. As such, the major outage program will commence when it’s safe to do so. Based on our engineering studies, we’re confident Mt Piper will be a reliable performer during the summer peak and fulfil its important role for households and businesses across the state,” Ms Westcott said.
“We are now closely engaging with the local community and key stakeholders so they’re clear on our plans,” Ms Westcott concluded.
Additional COVID safety measures have become part of our standard practice at Mt Piper. For example, when arriving each day our people scan a QR code and have their temperature checked, complete a daily wellness questionnaire, and undergo an induction focused on keeping COVID safe. Rapid COVID testing can also be deployed as an additional control.
Mt Piper is the youngest, cleanest and most efficient coal-fired power station in New South Wales. The plant is central to providing affordable, reliable and secure electricity for up to 15 per cent of the state’s electricity demand.
In the lead up to summer, EnergyAustralia regularly undertake outage maintenance to ensure Mt Piper can be there to provide reliable power for homes and businesses across the state.
