The energy regulator wants the power provider to limit its revenue by $6.5 billion over the next five years.

 That could mean a reducation in power bills.

But it could also lead to job losses, according to  Essential Energy chief executive Gary Humphreys.

Worse still, the move would jeopardise safety and reliability of electricity supply in the bush, according to Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall.  

 “It’s a shallow economic rationalist assessment of the electricity networks across rural NSW that, if implemented, will jeopardise jobs, but also the safety and reliability of electricity supply in the bush,” Mr Marshall said.

Essential Energy currently services 95 per cent of the NSW landmass but only 24 per cent of NSW customers.

“[Essential Energy] has to contend with many issues other networks don’t, such as a huge vegetation clearing and management program which ensures reliable supply while minimising risk of bushfires,” he said.

Mr Humphreys said the regulator’s planned changes would mean an immediate job reduction of about 1500 workers and an inability to place 270 apprentices in training.

“The [regulator’s] draft determination proposes significant additional cuts to Essential Energy’s revenue,” Mr Humphreys said.

“If implemented, the [body’s] draft determination would mean a likely significant reduction in vegetation management programs over the next four years.”