As of 4pm Wednesday, January 1, 32,000 customers across the South East of NSW were without power following the devastating bushfires that have torn through the regin.
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Essential Energy issued a statement to say they were working to restore services across fire ravaged areas of the coast and inland.
"Essential Energy continues to work closely with the Rural Fire Service and other emergency services to access fire impacted areas to assess the damaged electricity network.
"Although safe access is not yet available in many of the bushfire impacted areas, crews are planning the necessary resources, logistics and fleet to be able to respond as soon as we can safely access the network.
"With weather conditions predicted to deteriorate over the coming days customers are being advised to prepare for an extended period of time without power, and, if possible, find alternative accommodation until the power supply can be restored.
"The estimated time for power restoration in different locations will be posted on Essential Energy website at www.essentialenergy.com.au as details come to hand. "Unfortunately, in many instances estimated times will not be available until our crews can gain safe assess to the damaged electrical network.
"The below provides an indication of our progress and challenges, and will help customers plan over the coming days:"
Batemans Bay and Moruya
25,899 customers
Extensive damage has been caused to the overhead and underground electricity network. Aerial patrols are underway and restoration will commence once it is safe to access the fire grounds.
Bemboka
287 customers
The RFS has granted access to Essential Energy to complete an impact assessment on the damaged network.
Cobargo and Bermagui
3042 customers
Essential Energy crews are currently patrolling sections of the damaged network, however crews are facing access challenges due to the fires from Cobargo to Bermagui.
Batlow, Jingellic and Tumbarumba
1,887 customers
Essential Energy crews have been granted access by the RFS and have patrolled the powerline and completed an impact assessment on the damaged network. Crews are preparing to make necessary repairs to the network. An estimated restoration time is currently unknown.
Oberne Creek
55 customers
Essential Energy crews are currently making repairs to eight damaged power poles. It is estimated that all 55 customers will be restored by 6:00pm tonight.
Adelong and Yaven Creek
36 customers
Significant damage was caused to the electricity network with an estimated 22 damaged power poles. Additional crews from the region have been deployed to assist in restoration efforts. While crews have made some repairs, there are sections of the network that remain unsafe to access. An estimated restoration time is currently unknown.
Jingellic
55 customers
The RFS has granted access to Essential Energy to complete an impact assessment on the damaged network. At this stage crews have identified over 10km of damaged power lines. An estimated restoration time is currently unknown.
Essential Energy remindws customers to please stay safe and follow the RFS Fires Near Me for details about fire conditions.
Fallen powerlines can be reported to Essential Energy on 13 20 80, please stay 8 metres away.
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