Power prepared

Be power prepared

We can all play a part in keeping our communities safe this summer. We're playing ours by preparing the network for the hotter months and bushfire season.

We’re getting summer ready

We’ve been getting the network ready for the peak summer period all year. This year we:

Inspected 130,000 power poles to maintain safety and supply,
Trimmed 216,000 trees to increase community safety,
Installed REFCL protection on a further 5 networks. We now have REFCL protection operating on 14 networks to help prevent bushfires in high-risk areas. Learn more about REFCL technology,
Maintained 90,500 streetlights to keep your community connected.

Read a transcript of this video here (Word, 19 KB).

Are you power prepared?

While we do our best to keep the power flowing over the peak summer period, there are a few simple things you can do to be ready in case it goes out. Follow the tips below.

Download our power prepared factsheet (PDF, 57 KB) with our best tips on how to get ready for summer and reduce the impact of unexpected power outages.

1. Register your mobile number

SMS is a great way to stay informed during a power outage. Make sure your mobile number is correct with your energy retailer (the company who sends your power bills). They will pass on your number, so that we can send updates straight to your phone.

2. Connect with us

Save our faults & emergencies number in your phone 13 17 99
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Use our Outage Tracke r to track restoration times

3. Clear trees, grass and shrubs away from Private Electric Lines (PEL)

Overgrown trees, plants and grass should be cut back to reduce bushfire risk. If you own a Private Electric Line (PEL), you are responsible for making sure it is always in safe working condition. If your PEL is unsafe, the CFA may direct us to disconnect it during bushfire season.

Head to our Private electric lines to learn more about your responsibilities, and download a handy maintenance checklist.

4. Get bushfire ready

Create or update your bushfire safety plan and be ready to use it. Download a Fire Ready Kit on the CFA website.

Not sure if you need a bushfire safety plan? Visit the CFA’s - Am I at risk?

1. Emergency kit

Have an emergency kit in an easy-to-access place and tell everyone in the home where it is. As a start, include a battery operated radio (to receive important information from broadcast radio during the event) and a torch. Make sure you keep spare batteries in there too!

Learn about planning for emergencies - Australian Red Cross

2. Food safety

Keep the food in your fridge or freezer fresh by keeping the doors closed when possible. For more food safety tips visit food safety during power outages or call the Department of Health on 1800 818 832.

3. Appliances

Consider switching off or unplugging sensitive electrical and electronic equipment before the outage.

4. Water pumps

If you use electricity to run a water pump, make sure you have an alternative water source to use during an outage.

5. Electric doors and gates

If your property has electric gates or doors, check to make sure you can operate them manually or if they have a battery backup.

6. Travel safely

There may be some changes to local road conditions or traffic management while the power is off, especially during bushfire season.

7. Stay connected

Your family or neighbours might need extra support during power outages. If you can, check in on them to see if there’s anything they need help with.

Learn about who we are, what we do and our commitment to you in our customer charter (PDF, 6.3 MB).