Who to call in South Australia
SA Power Networks runs a live outage map showing current outages, their cause and the expected restoration time. Its faults and emergencies line, 13 13 66, is open 24 hours.
South Australia follows the National Energy Retail Rules, with one local difference: SA Power Networks can carry out very short planned interruptions, under 15 minutes, without the usual four business days' notice.
The state's biggest outage was the black system of 28 September 2016, when tornadoes damaged transmission lines and the whole state lost power. AEMO's final report set out what went wrong.
Faults numbers and outage maps
Network profiles: SA Power Networks.
What to do in an outage
Check for danger
Fallen or sparking lines: stay well back and call 000. See fallen powerline safety.
Street or just you?
If neighbours have power, check your switchboard. See power out in your house.
Check the outage map
Your network lists known outages with an estimated restoration time.
Report it if not listed
Call the faults line above or report online.
Keep food safe
Keep the fridge and freezer closed. See the blackout checklist.
Your rights during outages
In South Australia, networks must give at least four business days' notice of planned outages under the National Energy Retail Rules, and written notice to registered life support customers. Planned interruptions shorter than 15 minutes are exempt from the notice requirement in this state. See planned outages.
Compensation
Long or repeated outages may qualify for a payment, and you may be able to claim for damage caused by a network fault. See power outage compensation.
Common questions
SA Power Networks on 13 13 66, 24 hours a day. Call 000 if anyone is in danger.
Yes. SA Power Networks publishes a live outage map on its website showing current and planned outages across the state.
AEMO found that tornadoes damaged transmission lines, triggering a series of faults that disconnected the state from the rest of the grid and led to a statewide black system.
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.