WIDESPREAD job cuts at Essential Energy have been put on hold with the supplier looking for alternate ways to save money.
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The government owned energy supplier had announced two separate lots of jobs cuts since the beginning of July, with a 682 jobs to be slashed from regional NSW.
The announcement drew condemnation from politicians and business leaders who said the drought-affected state would be severely impacted.
After weeks of demands for Essential Energy to halt the cuts, it announced on Tuesday that it would.
Essential Energy has been directed to place on hold the current workforce reshaping process.
- Essential Energy spokesperson
The announcement came following a meeting on Monday between the supplier and NSW Government ministers.
"Following the meeting, Essential Energy has been directed to place on hold the current workforce reshaping process and consider alternate options for savings," a spokesperson for the supplier said.
It would, however, continue to deliver "operational efficiencies" and lower network charges for its 855,000 customers as required by the Australian Energy Regulator.
"Essential Energy will provide information on alternate options for savings to the government when finalised and work with the government to implement its decisions," the spokesperson said.
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the decision was halted "thanks to the NSW Nationals in government".
"We worked with stakeholders, we listened to communities, we stayed firm on our position and we've now achieved a major victory for regional NSW," he said.
We stayed firm on our position and we've now achieved a major victory for regional NSW.
- NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro
Thirty minutes after Essential Energy's announcement to halt the cuts, Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean announced his "intention to issue a direction to Essential Energy to halt the proposed job cuts".
"The NSW Government looks forward to receiving Essential Energy's advice and ensuring that we support regional economies during the drought, while also providing regional customers with reliable and affordable energy," he said.
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