Slow recovery from floods for electrical industry: NECA

By Keri Algar

SYDNEY, NSW: The flood clean-up for the electrical industry is expected to take up to six months as homes and businesses are inspected before electricity is reconnected, according to industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA).

NECA, who is represented on the Stakeholder Reference Panel on the National Broadband Rollout and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) Registrars Coordinating Committee, said that ensuring safety is the top priority for the 30,000 homes and businesses affected.

Dominic Feenan, NECA’s communications manager said this would be a painstaking process.

“Safety must come first and when you hear figures of over 30,000 homes being flooded, plus many businesses, you can start to understand the magnitude of the inspection process,” said Feenan yesterday, adding that non-essential services would take longer to be connected as basic services would take precedence.

“It will be important to get some general power outlets and lights working first, so fridges, cooking appliances and office equipment can be used before things like swimming pool filters or wiring in sheds can be tested and fixed.”

“The support of NECA members and the industry has been fantastic and NECA will continue to work with the authorities to ensure as many licensed electrical contractors as possible can begin the safety inspections so electricity can be reconnected as soon as possible.”

Any licensed electrical contractor interested in helping can visit the NECA website at www.neca.asn.au for information on how they can register to assist.

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