Media Statement

19 August 2008

Interruption to power supplies

Power supplies were interrupted to around 60,000 Far North Coast customers last night when a fault
occurred on the high voltage transmission network that provides power to Country Energy’s distribution
network.

Power supplies were interrupted at 8.00pm to customers in the greater Lismore area, Ballina, Byron Bay,
Bonalbo, Kyogle, Mallanganee, Urbenville, Alstonville, Ewingsdale, Lennox Head, Mullumbimby and
Woodburn.

Country Energy liaised with TransGrid (operators of the high voltage electricity transmission network) and
NEMMCO (operator of the national electricity grid) to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

Power was progressively restored from 9.00pm, with all power back on by 10.10pm.

Country Energy’s regional general manager, Brian Glawson said, “While Country Energy’s equipment was
operating effectively at the time - and the incident was beyond our control – the incident prevented power
from being distributed to the local distribution network.

“The cause of the fault is being investigated and is still unknown to Country Energy.

“Although it was beyond Country Energy’s control, we apologise to our customers for any inconvenience
caused by the supply interruption and thank them for their patience.”

Due to the widespread area affected, Brian urged any customers who may experience isolated supply
problems to contact Country Energy’s Supply Interruption Line on 13 20 80.

Media contact: Mike Hely, Manager Community Relations Far North Coast
02 6443 7783 or 0427 108 089