Business customers
There’s never a convenient time to experience a power outage. To reduce the impact on your operations, here are some tips to keep your business running safely.
Prepare for a power outage
Unplanned power outages can happen at any time. While our crews will be working hard to restore power as quickly and as safely as possible, it’s important for your business to have a plan and be prepared.
Create a power outage plan for your business
Create an emergency plan for what your business will do if the power goes out. This helps everyone know what to expect and what steps to take, so you can respond quickly and keep things running as smoothly as possible.
- Identify business functions that rely on power
Identify the most important parts of your business that rely on power, such as the internet, EFTPOS machines, fuel pumps, or computers. Think about how you could keep these running during an outage, or what manual workarounds you could use if needed. Learn how to manually override electronic systems, like doors or gates, so you can still access your premises safely.
- Assign roles and responsibilities to employees for outage response
Make sure your staff know what to do by clearly assigning roles and responsibilities. Having a clear communication plan is key and should cover how you will keep in touch with employees, customers, and suppliers during an outage.
- Emergency contacts and emergency kits
Keep a list of important contacts handy, including emergency services, energy providers, and customer support lines. Finally, put together an emergency kit with essential items like torches, batteries, first aid supplies, and backup devices, and store it somewhere easy for staff to access.
Prepare your people
Make sure your teams review procedures in case of an outage including continuing or stopping work, safety protocols and alternate evacuation routes if elevators are not working. Conduct drills and training on power outage procedures.
Ensure facility preparedness
- Protect sensitive electrical and electronic equipment
Where possible, switch off and unplug sensitive electrical and electronic items, such as computers, EFTPOS machines, and other equipment. This helps prevent damage from power surges when the electricity comes back on. Installing surge protectors is another simple way to protect your equipment from sudden changes in power.
- Invest in backup power
If your business relies heavily on electricity, you might consider investing in backup power, such as a generator or battery system. If you already have one, make sure it is checked regularly and is ready to use when needed.
Stay in the loop during a power outage
Current Outages
Check the status for current power outages. You can also follow and subscribe to specific outages on this page.
Register for Updates
Register to receive updates and alerts affecting your service address direct to your mobile phone.
TasALERT
TasALERT is an emergency warning and information system that brings together emergency information from across government.
Planned outages
We understand that in the event of a planned outage on the network, you may need to keep your operations going by arranging an alternative source of power e.g. diesel generation. If your business needs a constant power supply, we recommend installing an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system.
TasNetworks does not provide or pay for generators during planned outages, and this extends to both life support and business customers. If you need to hire a generator to maintain your supply, it would be at your own expense. You will need to organise the hire, transport, installation, connection and disconnection of the generator. Your electrical contractor can help you find a supplier, or you can check the ‘Generators’ section in the Yellow Pages.
There are significant safety risks associated with the misuse of alternate power supplies for both yourself and our crews. For installation of any alternate power supply, work must be completed by a licensed electrical contractor in accordance with Australian Standards and legislative requirements. If you are considering the installation or use of an alternate power supply, please contract your nearest licensed electrical contractor and they will guide you through the process.
Frequently asked questions
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What causes unplanned power outages?
Although we're committed to providing reliable power to our customers, 24 hours a day, unexpected events can cause the power to go out. These can include:
- Storms or high winds causing powerlines to clash
- Trees or foliage touching or falling onto powerlines
- Lightning
- Electrical faults
- Bushfires
- Vehicle accidents, like a car hitting a power pole
- Wildlife
When a power outage happens, we work to restore power as safely and as quickly as possible.
More information on how to prepare your home for an outage can be found on our prepare for an outage page.
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What is a NMI (National Metering Identifier) and where can I find mine?
Every connection to the national electricity market is given its own unique NMI (National Metering Identifier). The NMI is used to identify your supply address. You should record your NMI on your Life Support Action Plan in the event that you need to contact us to report a power outage. You can find your NMI on your electricity bill.
Explore more power outage information
Prepare for power outages
While most outages are temporary, they can disrupt daily life and pose safety risks if you’re not prepared.
During a power outage
Learn what to do during a power outage to keep yourself and your household safe.
After the power outage
When the power comes back on, take a few simple checks before returning to normal.
Life support customers
Information for those dependent on electric powered, life-sustaining equipment.