Preparing for Summer Power Outages
In the midst of a hot summer and potentially serious fire season, unplanned power outages are likely to occur. Council urges you to ensure you are aware of the risks associated with power outages during extreme weather events and that you prepare for the impact of outages that may occur during a heatwave or bushfire conditions.
Unplanned Power Outages
Unplanned power outages may be due to vehicle accidents, birds, possums, vegetation or severe weather conditions such as damaging winds, lightning or severe heat. SA Power Networks will work to restore the power as quickly and safely as possible.
If taking action to prevent, rectify or avoid an emergency, SA Power Networks may not be able to notify you in advance. This includes load shedding situations, where power is turned off in areas on a rotating basis in order to maintain the stability of the national electricity network.
Preparing for Unplanned Power Outages
It is a good idea to be prepared for power interruptions at home. Always have a torch with charged batteries handy and be sure to use candles carefully to avoid starting a fire.
What to Do During a Power Outage
- A refrigerator and freezer will keep food cold longer if you do not open the door. Resist the temptation to open it.
- If the weather is hot, keep young children and the elderly inside the house and take appropriate precautions for the heatwave, such as drinking plenty of water.
- Consider the option of visiting relatives or friends who have power, or go to a public place with air conditioning.
- Although the water supply may not be affected, if your home has an electric hot water system and you keep using it, the water will go cold. Keep this in mind if you anticipate a long wait before power is restored.
- Check that electrical appliances such as stoves and heaters are switched off as there is a risk of fire when electricity supply is restored.
- If an interruption has lasted for a long time, food in the freezer may have started to thaw. Consider whether to keep or dispose of it.
Electricity and Bushfires
People living in bushfire risk areas should be aware that power may be disconnected in high fire danger conditions. Ensure you have a contingency plan in place that considers how you can access back-up power, which you may need for pumping water. You should also be aware that if power is not available in a bushfire situation, services such as traffic lights may not be operating along your planned evacuation route.
Keeping Informed of Power Outages and Restoration
Power@MyPlace is a free message service which provides timely and accurate information regarding power at your property. Registered users can choose to receive information via SMS or email relating to when:
- power is out in your suburb
- power is likely to be restored
- power has been restored
- meter readings willl be conducted in your area.
To register, go to www.poweratmyplace.com.au and make sure you have a:
- a mobile phone number or email address
- a recent power bill.
How to Report a Power Outage
Before picking up the phone, complete the following steps to ensure that the power outage is not due to a fault on your property:
- Check your household safety switch is in the 'on' position.
- If you have solar panels, check your inverter.
- See if your neighbours have power.
- Check if there is an obvious cause for the outage, such as a broken electricity wire.
- Have your National Meter Identifier (NMI) handy. You can find your NMI on your electricity bill.
You can check outages that have already been reported at www.sapowernetworks.com.au or by calling 13 13 66.
You can report an outage online at www.sapowernetworks.com.au or by calling the SA Power Networks Faults and Emergencies Service on 13 13 66, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.