While Essential Energy would only confirm the outage was the result of “wildlife”, local residents reported a pelican had been involved.
The unplanned outage began about 1.30pm, initially impacting about 1600 customers.
The outage area encompassed most of west Deniliquin, part of the Deniliquin CBD and across the river to affect most of north Deniliquin.
Most had power back by about 3pm, but then further homes had to be isolated from power as repairs continued.
This impacted more than 200 customers, including some impacted by the original outage period.
While most had power restored within a few hours, some were left without power until about 8.40pm.
“On arrival, crews discovered wildlife had impacted a power pole on the corner of Poictiers and Macauley St, causing safety equipment to automatically operate and isolate power,” an Essential Energy spokesperson said.
“After ensuring it was safe to do so, power was restored to most customers by 2.45pm, however 80 customers remained without power.
“Due to the complex configuration of the electricity network on that pole, it was necessary for crews to inspect each of the remaining properties’ electricity installations to ensure no damage had occurred.
“Power was switched off to a further 169 customers around 3.15pm so that crews could safely complete repairs to the powerline and check for safety.
“Power was restored for those customers just before 6.30pm last evening, and for all remaining customers at 8.40pm last night.
“Essential Energy thanks customers for their patience and understanding as our crews worked to complete repairs, carry out inspections and restore power for all customers as quickly and safely as possible.”
18°C