The Chief Operating Officer of Ausgrid has admitted his company’s response to Tuesday’s freak storm “is not good enough”.

13,000 homes remain without power and could do so until next week.

Insiders at Ausgrid say the significant delays in restoring powerlines is due to mass redundancies made in recent years.

COO Trevor Armstrong admits they’ve cut crew numbers but claims it was for the benefit of customers.

“That’s correct Alan and I would say that’s all about ensuring that we get an affordable price to our customers.”

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview

Mr Armsrtong says ground crews have been brought in from “all round the state” and their phone and online operations will improve as well with the aim of restoring all power by Sunday.

“The website and the nature of being able to ring in is not good enough and we’re actually looking to bolster that again today.

“Certainly, we’re working to have supply all done by Sunday.”

How to contact Ausgrid:

• Online
• Or ring the Ausgrid Contact Centre on 13 13 88

Image: Ausgrid