Jacqui Scruby, Independent MP for Pittwater, has slammed Ausgrid for prolonged delays in restoring power in Pittwater and the broader network. Recent outages, caused by severe weather, have left residents without electricity for almost a week, sparking widespread inconvenience, frustration and worry.
Pittwater still has 158 homes and businesses without power six days after last Wednesday’s storm.
"Too many residents have been left in the dark for far too long. Ausgrid’s failure to restore power promptly is completely unacceptable and shows a lack of preparedness and forward planning,” said Ms Scruby.
“Many households are still struggling, unable to charge phones and computers, with no hot water, spoilt food and cars trapped in garages.
"Ausgrid must be better prepared for extreme weather events. This includes hiring surge staff to respond to emergencies, improving tree and power line management, and providing timely, transparent updates," said Ms Scruby.
The lack of clear communication from Ausgrid has only made matters worse, leaving residents frustrated and without vital updates on when their power will be restored.
"The uncertainty has been one of the most frustrating aspects. Ausgrid should have been more upfront about the length of time people would have to wait for their power restored. From the outset, there should have been clear communication that people were facing days without power. Instead, Federal MP, Dr Sophie Scamps and I had to put pressure on Ausgrid to get public information," Ms Scruby added.
Long-term, Ms Scruby says we need a more resilient power network, as we know that extreme weather is likely to get more frequent and more intense because of climate change.
However, she says that state and federal governments also need to act, particularly with our heavily regulated electricity market.
“At the end of the day, this is the cost of climate change. As a company with $313m in profit, Ausgrid should be investing more in resilience, but we also need reform, so the AER (Australian Energy Regulator) approves resilience action, as well as NSW disaster funding that covers electricity network upgrades. I am committed to championing support for better electricity network resilience in the NSW Parliament.”
“The events of the past few days and the impact on Sydney residents clearly demonstrate that resilience investment is overdue.”
Ms Scruby also highlighted that the privatisation of Ausgrid by the former government has contributed to the current challenges.
"Privatisation has clearly failed to deliver the reliability and accountability our community needs and means the NSW State Government, although the major shareholder, does not have control of the company, reducing its accountability.”
Ms Scruby’s office has offered to organise assistance to anyone in the community who needs it – from hot showers, to delivery of food or places to charge computers and mobiles.
Anyone requiring help can email [email protected]. She is also encouraging everyone impacted to claim the modest $250 provided by Ausgrid as compensation.
"This is about more than just power restoration — it’s about ensuring our community feels safe and supported during emergencies," Ms Scruby commented.