Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal investigates recent power outage at Broken Hill and surrounding areas

The tribunal overseeing energy prices in New South Wales is investigating whether power infrastructure company Transgrid failed to provide a reliable supply to residents in the far west after a second outage within a week. Severe weather and a possible tornado knocked down seven transmission towers last week, leaving residents in Broken Hill and outlying towns without electricity for about two days and intermittent supply over the weekend. Energy Minister Penny Sharpe said the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal has began "a serious investigation" into whether Transgrid has breached the reliability standards included in its licence. "Transgrid is focused on completing construction of the new temporary powerline as soon as possible to restore a permanent electricity supply to Broken Hill and surrounding communities," they said. Telecommunication services at Broken Hill have been brought back online after Monday's power outage, with connection expected to return to the remaining far west towns within 24 hours.