Manager community relations Northern, David Crough, said it could be deadly behaviour, and offenders were seriously endangering their own lives as well as causing unplanned power outages for the local community and potentially jeopardising public safety.

"Crews responded immediately after an unplanned power outage affected 669 homes and businesses on the western side of Uralla and rural areas out towards Balala at 9.45pm," Mr Crough said.

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"Investigations by crews found malicious damage to the electricity network had caused the unplanned outage and after ensuring it was safe to do so, crews restored power to all customers by 11.41pm."

As the operator of one of Australia's largest electricity networks, Essential Energy's priority is the safety of its customers, employees, contractors and members of the public.

"Not only did the offender risk their own life, but they caused an inconvenient power outage for the community and risked making the electricity network unsafe for others," Mr Crough said.

"Electricity can arc or jump - even if power lines aren't touched - resulting in severe burns, electric shock and even death."

Anyone with information regarding the malicious damage should contact the Police Assistance Line on 13 14 44 and Essential Energy on 13 23 91.

"Be warned, anyone found guilty of maliciously damaging or interfering with electricity network assets will be prosecuted," he said.

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