The NSW Government is taking action to strengthen energy security across Far West NSW.
Following the October 2024 power outages in Far West NSW and the subsequent Parliamentary Inquiry into Electricity Outages Affecting Far West NSW, we are working on a range of initiatives to improve the region’s energy supply and enhance the reliability and resilience of the network to better support local communities.
Far West Network Resilience Program
This program is helping communities across Far West NSW stay connected during major electricity outages.
The NSW Government is working with Essential Energy to develop low-emission microgrid infrastructure for Tibooburra and White Cliffs along with a community battery in Milparinka and Packsaddle. The government has committed $3 million towards the project, with further funding to be made available subject to the outcomes of the feasibility assessment.
The program will help improve energy resilience and reliability in Far West NSW while supporting local jobs, business participation and economic opportunities, including dedicated opportunities for First Nations communities.
Learn more about the Far West Network Resilience Program.
Far West Priority Network Infrastructure Project
This project is working to improve long-term energy reliability for Broken Hill and the broader Far West region.
In January 2026, the NSW Government directed Transgrid to accelerate delivery of important infrastructure to prevent interruptions to Far West NSW’s energy supply. This includes the build of an energy storage system and running a tender for a complementary solution.
Learn more about the Far West Priority Network Infrastructure Project.
Far West NSW power outage post-event review report
Following the October 2024 power outage affecting Far West NSW, the NSW Government commissioned an independent post-event review of the event and response efforts. The review sets out lessons learned and recommendations to improve preparedness, response arrangements and energy resilience for the future.
Read the Far West NSW power outage post-event review report.
Together, these initiatives are helping strengthen energy security in Far West NSW through a combination of local resilience measures, network infrastructure improvements and lessons learned from the 2024 outage.
The NSW Government will continue working with communities, industry and other stakeholders to deliver practical solutions that meet the energy needs of Far West communities.