Essential Energy has worked through the night to restore power to over 7,000 homes and businesses in the Lismore and Richmond Valley LGAs.

Just over 3,500 customers remain without power this morning.

An Essential Energy spokesperson said the 66,000-volt powerline between Lismore and Woodburn has been damaged, affecting power supply for customers across Woodburn, Coraki, Evans Head, Broadwater, Wardell and surrounding towns. Widespread damage hampers power back-feeding capability.

Approximately 250 customers in parts of Lismore, Goonellabah and Parrots Nest are also without power, after the local network was damaged by lightning and vegetation.

Crews will continue with repairs today, utilising a helicopter to assist in surveying damage in hard-to-access areas.

Outage tips and estimated times of restoration once known, can be viewed on Essential Energy’s website at essentialenergy.com.au/outages.

Impacted customers relying on power for their well-being, are recommended to employ their power contingency plans.

Essential Energy thanks customers for their patients and reminds the public to stay at least eight metres away from fallen powerlines, power poles or damaged electricity infrastructure and report immediately to 13 20 80 or if life threatening call Triple-0.