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What to do before, during & after a power outage

We understand power outages are disruptive and they can happen without notice.

Unless it’s an emergency, we'll let you know at least three days before a planned power interruption is scheduled in your area.

If the outage is unexpected, our local response teams work 24 hours a day, seven days a week to respond to faults as they occur. While we work hard to restore power as quickly as possible, there are some simple things you can do before, during and after an outage to make it a little easier to manage.

Preparing for an outage

Keep your food safe

Adjust your fridge and freezer to the coldest setting to prepare for the outage. Try to keep the doors closed as much as possible when the power is off. Visit the HealthyWA website for tips on reducing the risk of food-related illness during power outages.

Pre-cool your home

If you have an air-conditioner, cool your home or just the rooms you are using to a comfortable temperature if a power outage is planned. Then prevent heat entering by closing doors and windows and keeping them shut.

Turn off your appliances

Switch off and unplug any sensitive electronic appliances or equipment prior to the outage/before the power comes back on. Install surge protection devices to protect your equipment against possible power surges or spikes when power is restored.

Stay connected using a hotspot

Your modem won’t work without power but you can still access the internet, school or work files via data connection on your mobile phone. Check with your telecommunication provider about data allowances available.

Check any automatic systems

Alarm systems, lifts and escalators may not operate during the power outage so you may need to arrange a back-up battery. If you have automatic garage doors or security gates, know how to operate these systems manually or consider leaving your car parked outside.

Download the app

Download the app so you have it handy if the power goes out. You can easily stay informed of any planned and unplanned outages in your area and find out when we expect to restore power.

Life support equipment & critical load businesses

Our number one priority remains the safety and wellbeing of our customers and regional communities. We’re here to support our customers with life support equipment and 'critical load' businesses - before, during and after a power outage.

How we can support you

Stay safe in severe weather

Severe weather events, like cyclines, storms and floods, are part of life in Regional Western Australia. So, it’s important you know how to stay safe when severe weather impacts our electrical network.

Preparing for severe weather

Check everyone is out of harms way

Call us immediately on 13 23 51 for any of the following:

Fallen powerlines

If you see or hear something that could help us to identify the problem (like a hanging power line or loud bang) stay away and call us immediately. Any details you can provide will help our emergency crews safely restore power as quickly as possible.

Stay 10m away

Dull or flickering lights

If you're experiencing dull or flickering lights, 'brown out', low voltage or partial supply, don’t touch your fuse box or anything metal in your home.  If it’s possible to easily access power points, turn off and unplug your appliances. 

Safety tips for your home

A shock or tingle when touching appliances

If you experience tingles or shocks from an electrical appliance or water taps, ensure no one touches them and call us immediately. Once you've reported the fault with us, call a licensed electrical contractor to check your wiring immediately.

Electric shocks & tingles

Before you report an outage

Check if other lights or appliances are working

Check your switchboard fuse box to see whether any of your safety switches (known as Residual Current Devices or RCDs for short) have tripped and check your mains switch is in the ON position.

Check if your neighbours have power

Check if there's any lights on or get in touch with them. This will help you to work out if an outage is affecting your property only, or if it’s a wider issue.

Check our outage finder

Download the app or check our online outage finder for updates on the latest planned and unplanned outages and when we expect to restore power.

If everyone is safe

Turn off your lights

Turning off the lights and lamps in your home will reduce the risk of damage from possible power fluctuations. Just leave one light switch on, so you’ll know when power is restored.

Unplug electrical appliances

Power fluctuations may occur when the power comes back on, so it’s a good idea to unplug sensitive appliances such as computers, TVs, game consoles, air-conditioners, heaters, microwaves and reticulation systems to reduce the risk of damage.

Keep your fridge & freezer closed

If you can, keep your fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Your food will stay fresh for several hours without power if your appliance seals are in good order.

If you have a generator...

It's important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for running and earthing your generator. Always run portable generators outside and keep your generator away from open windows, as petrol and diesel-powered generators produce fatal carbon monoxide fumes. Plug appliances directly into your generator’s outlet using a Residual Current Device (RCD) and a heavy-duty extension cord rated for outdoor use.

If you have solar...

During an outage, a solar system connected to the network is programmed to switch off to prevent the extra energy being exported to the grid. This safety measure is to protect both the power lines that can be damaged and workers fixing the lines. If your system is set up to be off-grid, then you're completely independent from the network and won’t be affected by any power outages.

When your power returns after an outage you may need to:

Reset your appliances

Check and reset your appliances that have timers or clocks (i.e. air conditioners, reticulation, pool pump, microwave etc.) by following your operating instructions.

Check your meter box

If you have partial or no power, or your neighbours have power and you don’t, check your fuse box to make sure safety switches including RCDs are all in the 'on' position.

Safety first

If you suspect an appliance or equipment has been damaged during a power outage, always use a licensed electrician to check for you. Don't try to fix it yourself. 

Do you have solar?

Check your solar system is back on if you have solar panels. Not all solar inverters will switch back on automatically after a power outage.

You may be eligible for compensation

If your power supply is interrupted and the interruption is caused by us, you could be eligible to make a claim for compensation - in recognition of the inconvenience caused.

There are a few different claim types dependent on the outage type, duration and if you experience any loss or damage to your property.

Check if you're eligible

How to report a power outage

Call our 24/7 hotline to report a fault or outage. In a life threatening emergency please call emergency services first on 000. 

 

Call 13 23 51
Check outage finder

Why do we have outages?

While we do everything possible to keep the power on, there are several reasons your power supply may be interrupted.

About outages

Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.