Critical electricity and gas works are being undertaken to ensure the lights stay on and gas keeps flowing during the pandemic crisis.

A fact sheet, released today by Energy Networks Australia, outlines what critical works are, what they mean for customers and why they will continue during this pandemic.

“You will continue to see electricity and gas crews out on the streets performing critical works to keep our energy system safe and reliable,” Energy Networks Australia CEO Andrew Dillon said.

“We know many Australians are working from home, and we know how much you rely on power and gas. We also must ensure essential services like hospitals and supermarkets have safe and reliable energy supplies, which is why these works must continue.

“These works mean some customers will experience temporary power outages, but networks are taking extra steps to ensure minimal disruption to energy supplies and that only work that is critical and essential is taking place.”

Mr Dillon said that as network crews often needed to work close together to undertake works, careful risk assessments were conducted to keep teams and the general public safe.

“Please respect our crews when they are doing their jobs, it is to keep you safe and keep our country running during these challenging times,” he said.

“Australians can rely on their energy networks – we’re all in this together.”

Energy Networks Australia has previously released a video outlining the need for critical works.

For information on the response to COVID-19 by energy networks, including for information on relief measures, visit www.energynetworks.com.au/COVID-19. Customers experiencing hardship should contact their energy retailer.