With 40-degree heat predicted in Springwood on Monday, January 22, Endeavour Energy has boosted its staff and network for the heatwave.
The electricity provider has also cancelled planned interruptions in Blaxland on Saturday, 19 January because of the heatwave forecast.
“Endeavour Energy is well prepared for the forecast heatwave this weekend. We’ve brought in extra crews to respond quickly to any problems that might occur, to minimise the time customers are without power,” said a company spokesman.
The Endeavour Energy network is designed to cope with summer temperatures that are often 10°C higher, and stay higher for longer, than Sydney’s CBD and other coastal areas.
“The network is reconfigured on very hot days to help prevent overloading. This provides extra capacity to meet the expected increase in demand for power as customers switch on their air conditioners to keep cool,” said the spokesman.
“Endeavour Energy also has operational plans on hot days to keep customers safe and comfortable while maintaining the reliable performance of its network… When temperatures are forecast to be around 38°C, we ask crews to complete the work before 12 noon so that customers are not without power in the hottest part of the day – typically mid to late afternoon.
“We also give special attention to areas that include nursing homes and hospitals. We cancel planned interruptions or make alternative arrangements if the temperature is forecast to be greater than 37°C in these areas.”
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast temperatures of 37 and 36 in Springwood on Saturday and Sunday [January 20-21] respectively before peaking at 40 on Monday.
Katoomba is expected to experience 35-degree heat on Monday after peaks of 32 on the weekend.
Heatwave safety tips
To beat the heat Endeavour Energy reminds customers to keep well hydrated, keep an eye on elderly neighbours and keep mobiles charged in case power is interrupted over the weekend.
Customers with registered medical equipment in their homes should review their back-up plan in case power is interrupted.
Customers can obtain updates about their local power supplies by: calling 131 003 and entering their postcode; entering their suburb into the power outage application at www.endeavourenergy.com.au, or downloading the Endeavour Energy outage app to their smartphone or tablet which is free from iTunes or Google Playstore.
While staying cool this weekend, customers can take some simple steps to manage their electricity bills by:
- keeping shutters, curtains or blinds closed to keep out the heat;
- cleaning the filters on air conditioners so they work efficiently;
- turning off electrical equipment not in use that is on standby mode;
- using fans to circulate cool air within homes.
For more information refer to the Beat the Heat website.
Livestock and pet owners are also being urged to ensure adequate clean water is always available and that shading is provided where possible. Additionally, no animals should be left in confined, unventilated areas.
Members of the public should also regularly visit the Rural Fire Service website for updated bushfire warnings and information. For updated weather forecasts and warnings visit www.bom.gov.au.