Electrical emergencies and outages
132 004

If you've lost power or want to report fallen powerlines

General enquiries
1300 137 008

For general enquiries, call from Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm

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10 smart ways to prepare for an unexpected power outage

Unexpected power outages can happen anytime, especially during storms or extreme weather. Being prepared not only makes life easier, but it also keeps you and your family safe.

Here's our top tips:

1. Identify your essential items

Most of us rely on power for everything – from heating to cooking to operating electric garage doors. Identify essential items to have in case the power goes out. Non-perishable food for yourself, and any young children or pets. It’s also handy to have bottled water and something to keep you warm, like blankets, if the power goes out in the winter months.

If you have an electric garage door, it’s helpful to know how to operate this manually so your car isn’t trapped!

2. Build a home emergency kit

Your kit should include:
  • Battery-operated or wind-up radio
  • Torch (with spare batteries)
  • Power banks and phone charging cords
  • First aid supplies and essential medications
  • Blankets, bottled water and non-perishable food
  • Copies of your emergency plan and important phone numbers
  • Special items for babies, elderly people or pets
Emergency Kit

You can download this check-list to share with friends and family, by visiting www.tasnetworks.com.au/prepare.

3. Power’s out? What to check first

4. Stay informed

All planned and unplanned power outages are listed on TasNetworks website at www.tasnetworks.com.au/outages. Also follow TasNetworks on Facebook for updates with outages that impact entire communities.

You can register for updates with TasNetworks straight to your mobile as well by clicking here.

If the power is out because of weather like storms, high winds or bushfires, listen to your local ABN radio for updates on conditions.

5. During an outage, turn off all appliances

Before the power comes back on, switch off things like TVs, computers and other devices that might automatically restart. This helps prevent damage from sudden surges when the power returns.

6. Keep your fridge and freezer closed

Heard the myths about “letting the cold out” of the fridge during a power outage? We’re here to set the truth straight!

Keep your fridge and freezer closed while the power is off, so food stays cold and safe inside. Every time you open the door, warm air will rush in, resulting in your food spoiling quicker.

Power Outage

7. Use generators safely

If you use a portable generator, make sure you are operating it in a well-ventilated, dry area. Always connect appliances directly to the generator. Never plug a generator into your switchboard, it’s dangerous and can put repair crews at risk.

8. Is the sun shining?

Solar panels can still produce electricity during a blackout!

But, don’t climb onto your roof to check them. Once your power returns, make sure your solar system actually restarts, as not all inverters do so automatically. Get in touch with your electrical contractor if you’re experiencing issues with your solar system.

9. When the powers returns…

Make sure to:
  • Restock any batteries you used
  • Toss out food that’s gone off (check out advice from the Food Safety Information Council)
  • Check your solar system has resumed normal operation

10. Always know who to contact

If the outage persists or you see a hazard like fallen powerlines, call our TasNetworks team 24/7 on 132 004.