Fact Checked

In this guide, Canstar Blue discusses power outages in Australia, what can cause them and what to do when they happen.

What is a power outage?

A power outage is when the supply of electricity or gas to a household or business is interrupted for a number of reasons. Power outages that impact entire neighbourhoods or cities are referred to as blackouts and can occur at any time. Depending on the severity of the power outage, loss of power can last from minutes to weeks, and will usually affect specific areas or electricity grids.

Compare energy plans

If you want to switch energy providers or compare current plans, check out the Canstar Blue comparison tool below.

• NSW
• VIC
• QLD

Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid energy network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Sponsored Products

Based on the general usage^ in the Ausgrid network the AER reference price is: $1,810 / year

Netflix Plan Basic Plan Information Enjoy $100 credit when you join AGL electricity. Plus, get $96 RRP off Netflix value each year for the life of your plan with the AGL Netflix Plan. T&C’s apply

16% Less than reference price

$1,513 Price/year (estimated)

Go to Site

View all electricity plans listed on Canstar Blue

*^View important information

Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Sponsored Products

Based on the general usage^ in the Citipower network the VDO reference price is: $1,456 / year

Netflix Plan Energy Factsheet Enjoy $100 credit when you join AGL electricity. Plus, get $96 RRP off Netflix value each year for the life of your plan with the AGL Netflix Plan. T&C’s apply

13% Less than VDO

$1,267 Price/year (estimated)

Go to Site

View all electricity plans listed on Canstar Blue

*^View important information

Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from our referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Sponsored Products

Based on the general usage^ in the Energex network the AER reference price is: $2,066 / year

Netflix Plan Basic Plan Information Enjoy $100 credit when you join AGL electricity. Plus, get $96 RRP off Netflix value each year for the life of your plan with the AGL Netflix Plan. T&C’s apply

4% Less than reference price

$1,990 Price/year (estimated)

Go to Site

View all electricity plans listed on Canstar Blue

*^View important information

What causes electricity outages?

Power outages can be caused by:

• Weather: Heavy rainfall, heatwaves, high winds and lightning strikes
• Vehicles: Motor accidents damaging power lines
• Bushfires: Electricity supply can be cut during emergencies
• Animals: Wildlife can interfere with energy infrastructure
• Maintenance: Sudden drops in electricity supply can short or trip circuits
• Trees: Blackouts can also occur when overhanging branches or trees come into contact with power lines.

How to prepare for a power outage

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has warned that the risks for Australia’s energy reliability are increasing and facing challenges. With delays in project developments and closure of coal generators, the following years could be thwarted by increased blackouts. With this in mind, here are some essentials you should keep handy when preparing for a blackout:

• Cash
• Candles
• Blankets
• Batteries
• First aid kit
• LED Torch
• Fire blanket
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches or a lighter
• Generator (if possible)
• Battery-operated radio
• List of important contacts
• Portable phone charger and cords
• Bottled water and non-perishable foods.

If the power goes out, or you suspect it will (e.g. there’s a severe weather warning), turn off all appliances at the wall. You should also leave a light switch on so you’ll know when power has been restored.

How to find power outages in your area

You can check for electricity outages, or the loss of gas supply, by searching on the website of your local energy distributor. Energy distributors are responsible for delivering power safely to your home or business, as well as maintaining power lines, pipes and transmission grids in your area. Your energy distributor should have a power outage map on its website where you can input your street, suburb or postcode and receive updates of reported power outages.

The example below comes from Energex, the electricity distributor for South East Queensland.

Image source: energex.com.au

Not entirely sure who your energy distributor is? That’s fine. Keep reading to find your gas or electricity distribution network.

Who is my electricity or gas distributor?

The following is a list of energy distribution networks in Australia, and their contact details in case of power outages:

Distributors in Victoria

Electricity

Gas

Distributors in New South Wales

Electricity

Gas

Distributors in Queensland

Electricity

Gas

Distributors in the ACT

Electricity

Gas

Distributors in South Australia

Electricity

Gas

Distributors in Tasmania

Electricity

Gas

Distributors in Northern Territory

Electricity

Gas

Distributors in Western Australia

Electricity

Gas customers in Western Australia should refer to the Public Utilities Office, the Economic Regulation Authority (ERA), or Energy Ombudsman Western Australia for any energy-related queries.

How long can a power outage last?

Power outages typically last for short periods of time. A resolution will be estimated by the energy distribution network where the power outage occurred. Time estimates will depend on whether the power outage is due to equipment faults, environmental impacts, third party contact, cable digging or weather-related damage.

Australia’s extreme weather events can impact the nation’s energy infrastructure, resulting in damaged or lost electricity grids and long-lasting power outages. It is extremely difficult to give an exact timeframe of how long a power outage will last in those instances. However, your energy distributor may use social media to keep customers informed.

For example, Ausgrid in New South Wales uses X to alert its consumers of outages:

Power is currently out to customers in Centennial Park, Moore Park, Redfern and surrounding suburbs. Our crew are working to safely restore power. For more info: https://t.co/bZtdLPjc9L

— Ausgrid (@Ausgrid) February 26, 2022

Image Credit: https://x.com/Ausgrid

What are planned power outages?

A scheduled power outage is planned maintenance of energy infrastructure, usually carried out by the energy distributor. Distribution networks, powerlines and gas pipes require constant upkeep to ensure that electricity and gas supplies run efficiently and safely to homes and businesses.

Planned power outages will normally be listed on your energy distributor’s website. 

For example, Jemena’s website in Victoria lists their upcoming planned outages:

Depending on your distributor, the following information should be provided:

• Outage start date and time
• Suburbs or postcodes impacted by power outage
• Number of customers affected
• Scheduled completion date and time
• ID or job number
• Status (i.e. scheduled, in progress or finished).

In the case of an emergency, call 000.

Image Credits: Drop of Light/Shutterstock.com