A community campaign has been launched to stop the partial privatisation of the New South Wales power network.

The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) has heard concerns from across rural parts of the state, over the proposed partial sale of electricity network.

There has been backlash to the Government’s plan to sell 49 per cent of NSW’s electricity infrastructure, except for the main regional provider, Essential Energy.

Campaigners under the 'Stop the Sell Off' banner have been vocalising their discontent in the towns of Leeton, Temora and Wagga Wagga.

They are concerned that Essential Energy will be held for now, but sold immediately after the next state election.

The State Government says that it would allocate around $6 million from the profits of the sale to regional infrastructure projects, but union officials say that would be only a tiny bandage for a deep wound to regional life.

“The job destruction that comes about as a result of privatisation is immense,” said ETU State Secretary, Steve Butler.

“In Victoria the numbers of employees reduced by 80 per cent [after privatisation],” he said.

“Regional New South Wales tends to get all the collateral damage, it'll lose jobs, lose training opportunities, communities will start to fall apart.

“All the money will be earmarked for Sydney and regional New South Wakes will be lucky to get a roundabout.

“Since 2011 the apprentice numbers that Essential Energy have reduced from 130, to this year them taking on only 30 apprentices.

“The indicators that we see of continued reduction of workforce, continued reduction of apprentice training lead us to the only conclusion and that is they will privatise Essential Energy as soon as they can,” Mr Butler told the ABC.

“And the reality is very soon after privatisation comes deregulation, with deregulation comes increase in prices.”