New agreements needed for power work

Gosford Council has been advised that it must obtain new agreements from property owners in the Woy Woy, Ettalong and Umina CBDs for underground power upgrades.

The new agreements have been required because the original notices contained incorrect information about the responsibility of owners for on-going maintenance.

"Council will be responsible for the initial installation of any conduit or structure and associated equipment which is needed to be located on the customer’s premises for the underground service," said Energy Australia spokesman Mr Matthew Hindson.

"However customers will be responsible for any future maintenance needed and will also be required to provide and maintain satisfactory access to the conduit or structure so as to avoid any delays and inconvenience should work be necessary on the underground service.

"Customers will meet the cost of any work carried out on the customer’s premises to gain access to and repair the service."

This could include excavation of driveways and paths, and the demolition and reconstruction of. retaining walls.

Energy Australia will wait to receive all the new agreements before starting work.

"Energy Australia has expressed regret for any inconvenience this matter has caused Gosford City Council," said Mr Hindson.

Letter, August 22