The advice was received via SMS messages, but on each occasion the work was cancelled for various reasons.
A frustrated local told the Southern Riverina News that while the cancellations in December and January were understandable because of factors beyond Essential Energy's control, no official advice was received by consumers, who only learnt of the reasons unofficially in the days following.
The proposed work on Sunday was cancelled because of the extreme weather conditions, however these conditions were forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology a week prior.
Unofficial notification of the cancellation was received by some at 6pm on Saturday, while official notification was received at 6.30am on Sunday.
“Organisations must quickly respond to advice at short notice and there were residents who had made arrangements to seek the comfort somewhere other than their homes,” the Southern Riverina News was told.
“Essential Energy's communications and their judgment in allowing proposed works given the weather forecast makes one wonder what is happening in this organisation.”
When contacted for comment earlier this week Essential Energy spokesperson Bronya Pressly Community Relations Manager for the Western region said they were unable to comment before the Southern Riverina News went to print.
“Unfortunately, we are unable to make this week’s deadline, but we are more than happy to provide a response for next week’s edition.
“We will ensure we have something with you by then.”
32°C