The first five minutes
Look outside
If neighbours and street lights are out too, it is a network outage. If it is only you, see power out in your house.
Check the outage map
Every network publishes current outages online. Find yours on our power outages page.
Report it if it is not listed
Use your network's faults line or online form. The number is on your bill.
Stay clear of fallen lines
Treat any fallen powerline as live and call 000. See fallen powerline safety.
Food safety when the power is out
| Where | Guide |
|---|---|
| Closed fridge | About 4 to 6 hours. Food above 5°C for 4 hours or more should be thrown out. |
| Full closed freezer | Up to 48 hours |
| Half-full closed freezer | Up to 24 hours |
| Thawed freezer food | Can be refrozen or used if it is still at 0°C or below, or has ice crystals |
Staying safe and comfortable
- Use torches rather than candles where you can.
- Never run a portable generator or a gas or charcoal heater indoors or in a garage. The exhaust can kill.
- Switch off appliances at the wall, especially heaters, ovens and anything with a motor, to avoid a surge when power returns.
- Keep a charged power bank and a battery radio for storm season.
- If someone relies on medical equipment, follow your plan and call 000 in an emergency.
After the power comes back
Turn appliances back on one at a time. If something was damaged, or the outage was long, check whether you can claim from the network. See power outage compensation.
Common questions
A closed fridge should keep food cool for about four to six hours, according to the NT Government. HealthyWA advises throwing out food that has been above 5°C for four hours or more.
A full freezer kept closed can keep food frozen for up to 48 hours, and a half-full one for up to 24 hours. Food that is still at 0°C or below, or has ice crystals, can be refrozen.
No. Your retailer cannot restore power. Call your distribution network's faults line, which is on your bill, or check its outage map online.
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.