In response to your questions:
a) Planned interruptions to the power supply of our customers is only recorded in a database in our eastern region, which predominantly encompasses the Sydney CBD. This is to attempt to coordinate multiple works on our electricity network with the least amount of interruptions in that high density area. In the northern region, we have no such database as interruptions to individual sections of our network are more infrequent. This is why our call centre knew nothing of your planned interruption. I gave some advanced notice of this work to your strata manager. Normally we give about 2-5 days notice of a power interruption, as this is what is required under the Electricity Supply Act. As the date for the work may change due to a number of factors, this level of notice prevents incorrect notification of customers, which would cause undue distress.
b) As you may or may not be aware, Energy Australia is undertaking an $8 billion upgrade of our electricity network. Our planning section takes into account current and future power loads on our network and schedules works accordingly. The substation outside your unit block is currently overloaded during the winter peak, and we are upgrading our assets to cover the current and future loads of your area.
I hope this alleviates your concerns about our works near your residence.
Regards,
Anthony Kirton
Project Officer - Construction
Field Services North
EnergyAustralia
Level 1, 5-7 Bryson St, Chatswood 2067
____________________________________
SP52948 owner wrote
23/06/2010 08:45 AM to Anthony Kirton Energy Australia
Subject Re: Power Interruption in Fontenoy Rd, Macquarie Park
Earlier today, as member of Body Corporate at Macquarie Gardens, I received forwarded message that you had sent to John Fry.
Many thanks for it.
Due to some unusual and potentially harmful activities to the residents in the complex, I hope you do not mind couple of questions.
By profession, I am BSEE with 25 years experience and I can understand the work you are undertaking. The timing of the work and some lack of information forces me to ask questions:
a) I spoke to Energy Australia and AGL yesterday and their databases did not contain any information about this work. Knowing that all such work must be planned and approved well in advance, could you tell me how come your staff did not have this scheduled work listed in the database. The person I spoke to (Pauline) even spoke to her manager and he did not anything about it either!
Your company, like most others, follows stringent change approval policies and I am a bit puzzled why there was no detail of this work in the scheduled listing just several days before it commences.
As well, I wonder is it a pure coincidence that this upgrade is happening now, or is it pre-empted by Optus? I am not aware that the complex is suffering from poor power supply or extreme lack of capacity yet.
Also, it does not seem this work as being critical because your network upgrades do not include it either (and are not part of "Smart grid plan" pilot project):
http://www.energyaustralia.com.au/Common/Network-Supply-and-Services/Network-projects/Sydney-North.aspx
b) Is this sudden work, in any form or shape, related to Optus push to get approval to install mobile phone antennas in the complex (namely, building block C))?
If it is, and I expect a sincere answer, than several things must happen:
1. Energy Australia, AGL and/or Optus will have to provide discount for the lack of power supply. No supply means, realistically, discounted monthly subscription for June 2010.
2. Optus has to be under no illusion that this work will not improve their chances to get approval to run business from the complex (in fact, I would say the opposite will happen).
Best wishes,
________________________________________
From: Anthony Kirton Energy Australia
Sent: Wednesday, 23 June 2010 7:05 AM
Subject: Power Interruption in Fontenoy Rd, Macquarie Park
Attached is the interruption notice for your strata units at 1-15 Fontenoy Rd, Macquarie Park for Tuesday 29 June 2010. Our crews will also be on site the next day before (Monday 28 June) to dig the site, but power will not be affected by this work.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Anthony Kirton
Project Officer - Construction
Field Services North
EnergyAustralia
Level 1, 5-7 Bryson St, Chatswood 2067