Prepare for an extended power outage
We work hard to ensure you have power for your home or business when you need it.
Sometimes we need to turn off your power to conduct important scheduled maintenance and upgrades to the electricity network in your local area.
This can result in extended, planned outages while we get the job done.
In rare occasions, you may get a notification or warning before a fault or emergency situation will result in you losing power for an extended time.
If you find yourself in this situation, here’s some simple advice to minimise the impact of the extended outage on your property:
- Have a mobile phone fully charged on hand. Remember that cordless phones do not operate without mains power.
- Consider purchasing and charging a portable charger for your mobile phone.
- Get a fridge thermometer so you know if food is still safe to consume after a power outage.
- Consult with your service provider if you have a monitored security alarm without a backup battery. You could also investigate the use of a generator.
- Know how to manually operate automatic garage doors, or leave your car parked outside.
- Be aware that lifts and escalators may not operate during a power outage.
- Leave a light on inside your house so you know when power is restored.
- If you require consistent power for water supplies or medical reasons, consider having access to a generator.
- Ensure you have sufficient water supplies available, including for pets and livestock.
See our How to prepare for an extended power outage guide for more information.
Visit the HealthyWA website for more tips on reducing the risk of food-related illness during power outages.
If you experience an unplanned power outage and there is the potential for it to extend for a long period of time – usually during emergency situations or if network assets have been damaged by things like falling trees – here’s some tips on how to manage the extended outage:
- Have an emergency kit ready containing a waterproof torch, first-aid kit, non-perishable food, water, required medication and a radio (battery-powered) with spare batteries.
- Unplug electrical appliances, especially those that have heating elements (e.g. kettle, oven).
- Switch off air conditioners so they are off when power is restored.
- Minimise opening and closing your fridge or freezer.
- Keep useful phone numbers on hand, such as the SES and your electricity provider.
- Unplug ‘surge-sensitive’ equipment such as computers and TVs to avoid potential damage.
- Keep across the news and emergency updates (on your mobile phone or radio).
See our How to prepare for an extended power outage guide for more information.
Visit the HealthyWA website for more tips on reducing the risk of food-related illness during power outages.
If you’ve experienced an extended power outage and your power has been restored, you may wish to do the following:
- If you have solar panels, check that your system is back on after the outage.
- Check on your neighbours or anyone else you know who might need help.
See our How to prepare for an extended power outage guide for more information.