Storms, bushfires and heatwaves all cause blackouts in Australia, and in regional areas the power can be off for days. Here is who to call and what to have ready.
Who to call
- Call 000 first if there is a fallen powerline, sparks, fire or any danger to life. Stay at least 8 metres away and treat the line as live.
- Then report the blackout to your electricity distributor (the company that owns the poles and wires), not your retailer. Their faults number is on your bill.
Distributor faults lines
- NSW: Ausgrid 13 13 88 · Endeavour Energy 13 10 03 · Essential Energy 13 20 80
- VIC: CitiPower 13 12 80 · Powercor 13 24 12 · Jemena 13 16 26 · United Energy 13 20 99 · AusNet 13 17 99
- QLD: Energex 13 19 62 (emergencies) · Ergon Energy 13 22 96
- SA: SA Power Networks 13 13 66
- WA: Western Power 13 13 51
- TAS: TasNetworks 13 20 04
- ACT: Evoenergy 13 19 09
- NT: Power and Water 1800 245 090
Numbers can change, so check the one on your bill.
During a blackout
- Use torches, not candles, especially in bushfire season. A searchlight and head torch are safer and brighter.
- Keep the fridge and freezer closed to keep food cold for longer.
- Listen to your local ABC radio station, the official emergency broadcaster. A wind-up radio works without power or phone signal.
- Stay cool in a heatwave. Rest in the coolest room, drink water and check on older neighbours.
- Never use a generator or barbecue indoors.
What to keep in your blackout kit
- Wind-up or solar radio
- Torches and a solar lantern that also charges phones
- A charged power bank
- A first aid kit
- Water and food that needs no cooking
- Copies of important documents in a waterproof bag
More advice: power cut checklist · staying warm · international delivery · all guides.
We now deliver to Australia
Our Power Cut Kit has a wind-up emergency radio, an LED searchlight, a head torch and a first aid kit for £99. Tracked delivery to Australia is £43.85 for the kit, or £30.10 for single items. Prices are in pounds sterling and import charges may apply on arrival.
