SOME homes and businesses in South Moree will be without electricity for an estimated seven-and-a-half hours today, with a planned power outage taking place between 8.30am and 4pm.

A further planned power outage will occur in north Moree tomorrow, Sunday, May 24, during the same timeframe.

Some parts of Greenbah will also be without electricity between 8.30am and 4pm on Tuesday, May 26.

Essential Energy apologises for the planned outages and inconveniences they will cause.

“These planned outages are necessary to enable our crews or contractors to safely carry out improvements to the electricity network,” a letter to all residents in affected areas says.

Essential Energy suggests switching off and unplugging sensitive electrical appliances, such as computers, prior to the planned power outage.

It is also advised to switch off stove hotplates, ovens and any other small appliances in case residents aren’t home when power is restored.

“Avoid opening fridges or freezers while the power is off,” Essential Energy says.

Residents with electric water pumping systems for household water supplies are advised to store enough water while the power is off.

The energy provider says there should be no need to switch off solar inverters.

“They should automatically switch off and back on.”

Essential Energy may provide further notifications via SMS.