South Australia's payments
| What happened in the year | Payment |
|---|---|
| More than 20 and up to 30 hours of interruptions | $100 |
| More than 30 and up to 60 hours | $150 |
| More than 60 hours | $300 |
| More than 9 interruptions | $100 |
Payments are made automatically to the account holder at the affected property on 30 June, as a credit on the retailer bill.
Other states
- Queensland: Energex and Ergon Energy must make GSL payments under the Electricity Distribution Network Code for long or frequent outages, wrongful disconnection, late connections and too little notice of planned outages. Most eligible customers are paid automatically, and a claim form can be lodged within three months of the event.
- Victoria: networks such as AusNet run GSL schemes for outages and reliability. Check your network's page for current amounts.
- Other areas: ask your network, whose name and faults number are on your bill, whether a scheme applies.
Not full compensation
GSL payments recognise poor service. They are not meant to cover losses. If an outage or power surge damaged appliances or spoiled food, you can make a separate claim to your network, which will assess whether it was responsible.
What to do after an outage
Report it to your network
Use the faults number on your bill, or find it on our power outages page. Your retailer does not fix outages.
Keep records
Note the start and end times, and photograph damaged items and receipts.
Check for a GSL payment
Look for a credit on a later bill, or ask your network whether you qualify.
Lodge a damage claim if needed
Use your network's claim form. If it is refused and you disagree, contact your energy ombudsman.
If someone at your home relies on life support equipment, make sure the address is registered. See our medical equipment guide.
Questions about outage compensation
In several states, networks pay guaranteed service level payments for very long or frequent outages. In South Australia, these range from $100 to $300 from July 2025. They are fixed amounts, not compensation for losses.
In SA, payments are automatic to the account holder on 30 June. In Queensland, most are automatic, and you can lodge a claim within three months of the event.
GSL payments do not cover it. You can make a claim to your network, which assesses whether it was responsible. Home contents insurance may also cover spoiled food.
Your network, using the faults number on your bill. Retailers do not fix outages.
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.