Power outages

Trees interfering with powerlines are a cause of many  preventable power outages. You can help to reduce this risk by regularly checking the size and health of trees growing close to powerlines, and letting the appropriate people know if these trees need to be cut back or removed.

DO NOT attempt to remove or prune trees near powerlines yourself, even if they are on your property.

If the tree is on your property, contact a qualified tree clearing professional. If the tree is in the street, call your local council or electricity distributor. These groups can arrange for the trees to be pruned or removed according to safety regulations.

For more information on tree clearing, visit the Energy Safe Victoria website or call 1800 800 158.

Power outages can occur at any time. To prepare, you should have an energy plan and kit including:

• Important Contacts List: download a copy of the Power Outages Important Contacts(PDF, 7KB) and place it somewhere safe and easy to find.
• Access to a phone: such as a charged mobile phone that doesn’t require electricity to operate.
• Alternative lighting: such as candles or torches. Remember to keep naked flames away from flammable material and gas sources.
• Alternative cooking facilities and heating: keep in mind that some gas appliances may still require electricity to operate them. Always ensure gas connections on portable appliances are maintained and in good working order.
• A battery-powered radio: stay tuned to news services to get updates on weather conditions and power outages.
• Access to fresh water: if you use electricity to run a water pump, make sure you have an alternative source for fresh water.

If you require an uninterrupted supply of power because you:

• are on life support equipment
• have a medical condition that requires continuous power supply
• have any other special needs.

You should report your needs to your electricity supplier and make sure they have your up-to-date contact details.

• Keep clear of fallen powerlines and keep others away as the powerlines may still be live. Call your local electricity provider (this is listed as the Faults and Emergencies number on your electricity bill) to notify them.
• Check your neighbour’s house to see if they have also lost power. If your neighbour has power on, then check to see if your safety switch has been tripped.
• Be careful when using candles and other open flames - keep naked flames away from flammable material.
• Make sure appliances are turned off in case power is restored when you are not home.
• Don’t try to connect temporary generators to household wiring. Engage a licensed electrician to do all electrical work. ‘Do It Yourself’ electrical work is very dangerous and illegal.
• If the power has been cut due to storm damage to your house, get a licensed electrician to ensure it is safe before any repairs are carried out.

Visit our basic first steps page to learn more about how to store food safely in the event of an emergency such as a power failure. 

Check and offer support to neighbours and relatives particularly those with special needs, such as elderly people and people with disabilities.

Your electricity distribution company is responsible for the poles and wires carry electricity to your home and normally organises for the power to be restored.

They can be contacted on the faults and emergencies number on your most recent electricity bill.

For storm and flood emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500. They can note the details and send help if necessary.

Call the VICSES Flood & Storm Information Line on 1300 VIC SES  (1300 842 737)  for general information about storms and floods.

Call 000 for help with life threatening emergencies.

Visit your local council website if you need information on emergency services available in your area, particularly if you are:

• elderly
• disabled 
• need special help.

If the power outage is caused by a fault with the poles and wires, your electricity distribution company will work to restore power as quickly as possible.

The time this takes can depend on:

• how widespread the damage is
• the severity of the damage
• weather conditions  
• access to the area.

Customers who experience long or frequent power outages in a year may be eligible for Guaranteed Service Level Payments. To find out about your eligibility, contact your local electricity distribution company or visit the Australian Energy Regulator website or call 1300 302 502.

You may also be eligible for other personal hardship emergency assistance. To find out contact the Department of Human Services on 1300 650 172 or visit their website.