AUSGRID will cancel maintenance on the most stressed parts of its electricity network as Sydney enters the second day of a scorching heatwave.
When the mercury hits 40C Ausgrid workers will put down their tools and Ausgrid emergency crews have been prepped for deployment in the event of power outages.
Ausgrid Chief Operating Officer Trevor Armstrong said extreme weather conditions resulted in a dramatic increase in demand for electricity.
“Our emergency crews are ready to respond if there are any unplanned interruptions to the power supply to our customers,” he said.
“We understand any outage to our customers is inconvenient and our focus is on safely restoring power in these situations as quickly as possible.”
Mercury is expected to reach peaks of 37C in Sydney today and the Bureau of Meteorology predicts temperatures to soar above 40C tomorrow.
Energy outages can be life-threatening for people relying on a power source for life-support technology.
Mr Armstrong said specialist crews were contacting vulnerable customers in areas expected to exceed 37C.
“We are also talking to life support and medical customers in areas where works are planned and where temperatures are forecast to reach 37 degrees to ensure they are kept up to date and have the information they need,” Mr Armstrong said.
A warning has also gone out to pet-owners around Sydney who may be planning on leaving animals at home while they go to work.
“The temperatures are getting to extreme this week in many places across Australia,” Pet Insurance Australia spokeswoman Nadia Crighton told the Daily Telegraph.
“Dogs and cats die very quickly from heatstroke unless it is treated immediately
“It’s imperative that people consider their pets to prevent any sickness due to the heat.
“If you have a pet that does struggle in the heat, this week please be extra vigilant in regard to their comfort and safety
Owners are being encouraged to leave extra water out for pets and provide shaded areas or cool rooms.
Seven minor bush and grass fires have broken out across the state, including a blaze at Crescent Head near Port Macquarie. Rural fire crews have all fires under control.
BOM has released a warning to NSW residents that “low to severe intensity heatwave” will continue across the state until Friday.
A cold front will provide Sydney with relief on Friday morning, sending temperature peaks plummeting to 25C.
Source: The Daily Telegraph
