Faulty underground cables have been blamed for widespread power cuts that affected about 2700 houses and businesses in Orange on Tuesday afternoon.
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An Essential Energy spokewoman said the problem started about 12.40pm when electricity network protection equipment detected a problem and switched off power to 497 homes and businesses in south Orange.
"While crews were working to locate the problem, the initial fault caused a further unplanned power outage for 2190 customers at 2.46pm," she said.
"Faulty high voltage underground cables have been identified as the cause of the problems."
She said staff re-routed the electricity network around the faults and progressively restored power to all customers from 5.25pm to 6.12pm.
It is understood at least one school was among the properties affected.
"Essential Energy thanks customers for their understanding as crews worked to restore power for customers," the spokeswoman said.
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