The Hunter could see blackouts similar to those in South Australia because of the State and Federal Governments axing of more than 2600 power workers, says the Electrical Trades Union.
Since 2012, the Government has gradually cut back workers across the State and in various companies.
Over the past four years, almost a quarter of all electrical workers have lost their jobs, including 1400 from Ausgrid and 800 from Essential Energy.
ETU Assistant Secretary Dave McKinley says the next natural disaster NSW faces could plunge it into darkness, much like South Australia this week.
"What has occurred in South Australia in the past 24 hours could easily happen in NSW," he said.
"The ability to restore power for consumers is dependent on having skilled workers available.
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| One of many fallen SA power lines. [Image: Tom Fedorowytsch] |
All of South Australia lost power on Wednesday night as wild winds and rain lashed the state, causing its wind turbines to switch off.
Power lines across the state also collapsed, which led to the extreme blackout.
The Hunter has also had wild winds, with parts of Dungog and Maitland submerged in water for days following last April's super storm that lashed the region.
McKinley is calling on Ausgrid and
other other providers to be prepared for the next weather event.
"We are urging them to take a good hard look at the resources they have available moving forward so they can ensure they have the skilled workers and specialist equipment needed to respond to similar events when they occur in NSW," he said.
[Image courtesy of ABC].
