NT Aboriginal groups call for moratorium on electricity disconnections in COVID-hit communities

Frontline Aboriginal organisations working in remote Northern Territory communities have called for an immediate moratorium on electricity disconnections in households subject to COVID-19 isolation rules. Key points: Residents are isolating in overcrowded homes where power regularly cuts out Residents say power is too expensive and people are moving between houses to escape the heat, spreading the virus The federal government mandated biosecurity zones for remote communities is due to expire today The organisations have raised concern that families undergoing mandatory isolation in overcrowded homes have experienced frequent power disconnections, cutting off cooling and refrigeration while daily temperatures have averaged above 35 degrees Celsius and are forecast to rise. Power in remote Northern Territory communities operates on a pre-paid meter system, where residents purchase credit at local stores, and household power is cut when the credit runs out. Mr Gunner also said electricity retailer Jacana Energy was "working with stakeholders" to make sure "no customer remains disconnected" when impacted by a COVID-related health response.