ELECTRICITY provider ActewAGL has reversed its decision to go ahead with shutting off power for two of three planned jobs today.

ActewAGL’s general manager of Network Services, Rob Atkin, said last night that parts of three suburbs would have their electricity supply interrupted today, affecting a total of 98 homes.

This morning, Mr Atkin said the utility had decided to postpone two pole replacement jobs that “had the potential to extend into the hottest part of the day”, but would still interrupt the electricity in part of one suburb today, affecting 33 homes.

“Our priority is the safety of everyone involved,” he said, explaining the decision was “based on the latest weather forecasts”.

At this stage another planned outage will still go ahead tomorrow (Saturday, January 18)  for 78 homes in one suburb.

ActewAGL’s previous decision to go ahead with the power supply interruptions this week despite the high temperatures was criticised by ACT Opposition Leader Jeremy Hanson and supported by Treasurer Andrew Barr.

Considerable media interest drove ActewAGL to yesterday issue its own defence of the decision to continue with the “important” work but was tight lipped about exactly where the power would be switched off.

“While we appreciate the media’s interest in our planned outage schedule, ActewAGL has made the decision not to provide information to the media about suburbs or streets affected by planned outages,” Mr Atkin said in a statement yesterday.

“This decision has been made to protect the confidentiality of the affected customers. And, is therefore a matter between ActewAGL and the customer.”