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Understanding power faults and outages
Why does the power sometimes go out?
Whether you need to get your work done, get dinner on the table or take time to catch up on your favourite series, electricity is something all of us rely on. At Horizon Power, it’s our job to keep your power supply as reliable and safe as possible.
We do everything we can to keep the power on – but sometimes planned power interruptions and unplanned power outages will happen.
Watch this short video to learn some of the reasons behind Horizon Power outages.
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Your guide to planned power interruptions
Sometimes, we need to turn the power off to your home or business so our team can work safely on maintenance, repairs or upgrades to parts of the network. When we know in advance and can let you know, this is known as a planned power outage.
How will you know about a planned power interruption?
At least three days before the planned outage, your local Horizon Power team will let you know through advertising, phone, email, SMS or a letter.
We’ll post the power outage information on our website and Horizon Power mobile app. On the day, the details will also appear on our outage finder.
We’ll let you know the dates and times your power could be off, including the estimated power restoration time, so you can plan ahead.
Sometimes, we need to cancel a planned outage because of extreme weather or other network priorities such as damage inspection after a storm. We’ll try to let you know if that’s the case.
Your guide to unplanned power outages
Unexpected power outages can happen because of damage to electrical infrastructure such as our poles and wires, extreme weather, vandalism, falling trees or branches, animals or other objects coming into contact with power poles or wires, and emergency situations.
If your power goes out unexpectedly, visit the outage finder on our website or download the Horizon Power mobile app to get the most up-to-date information. This will include an estimated power restoration time.
You can also phone our 24-hour Horizon Power fault line on 13 23 51.
What happens with unplanned power outages?
No matter when a fault occurs, our local response team will be notified.
Sometimes, our team can get the power back on quickly by working remotely.
There will often be times that we need to inspect the network to do a damage inspection, find the fault and fix the issue before the power can be switched back on.
Our network covers millions of square kilometres – and sometimes our team need to travel to different locations to inspect and repair damage to electrical assets. This can take time, especially during extreme weather events when there might be delays or restrictions getting to the areas we need to visit. This is why restoring power to some regional areas can take longer than others.
Behind the scenes: Our power restoration process
Our first priority in any power outage is safety. When we respond to any notifications of faults and outages, the first step is to make sure the site is safe for our crews and for the community.
We’ll then check the damage and prioritise the order of repairs. We want to restore power to the highest number of customers as soon as possible, and, of course, our essential health and community services.
Once the issue has been repaired, this is the usual order of our power restoration process (and some of these can happen at the same time):
Essential services
First, we’ll restore power to emergency services and critical community services such as our hospitals, police, ambulance, fire brigade and water treatment facilities.
High voltage lines
Our bulk transmission lines supply power to many customers across a large area, so getting these back on allows us to help a lot of people at the same time.
Localised faults
These faults impact clusters of homes and businesses, such as powerlines in local streets, so these are next to be restored.
Individual homes and businesses
When network repairs are completed, we’ll then work on the service lines which connect power to individual homes and businesses.
How is your power restoration time calculated?
In an unplanned outage, we work hard to work out the issue as quickly as possible so we can update you with the most accurate information. As soon as we can, we’ll share an estimated power restoration time on our website and mobile app.
We know it’s frustrating when the power goes out unexpectedly, especially if your power restoration time changes or isn’t specific enough.
It can be hard to estimate a restoration time for a town or suburb when the power might be restored for different customers at different times. Sometimes, a number of powerlines can be impacted by an outage but these might not be interconnected. For example, sometimes some customers will have their power back before other houses or business on the same street or in the same neighbourhood. If your power has gone out, we appreciate your patience and want you to know that our teams are always doing their best to get your power back on.
Depending on the cause of the outage and number of faults affecting the network at that time, the power can come back to individual homes and businesses at different times.
What to do when the power goes out
Whether you’re preparing for a planned outage or experiencing an unexpected outage, there are plenty of things you can do before, during and after a power outage.
Before you report an outage
If your power has gone out and everyone is safe:
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. You might be able to see if they have 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.
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.
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Pop on down to the Kununurra Ag Show to meet Gilbert, take a shot on our basketball challenge to win the basketball, and enter our competition to win signed Josh Kennedy Merch. We’ll be here all day and ready to answer any questions about your power supply.
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Read more![As we celebrate National NAIDOC Week, Horizon Power is proud to share our vision for a reconciled Australia. We envision a nation that acknowledges the injustices of its past, embraces cultural diversity, advocates for self-determination, and stands united against all forms of racism.
Our commitment to this vision is reflected in our actions, informed by the voices of our Aboriginal employees and the broader community. We're dedicated to leading our industry with meaningful reconciliation actions on the lands we operate in.
This week, we yarned with our Indigenous employees, who bring unique perspectives and experiences to our Horizon Power family. Their stories are a testament to the strength and resilience of Aboriginal culture and heritage.
Nadine's Celebration:
Nadine's NAIDOC Week in Carnarvon is a vibrant celebration of culture and community. As a Yamaji from the Mid West and Gascoyne region, Nadine has a profound connection to the river and the land. Her childhood memories are filled with camping, fishing, and the unique beauty of the upside-down river that flows through her hometown. This week, she's actively participating in events, from a ceremonial march to a family fun day, sharing the joy of Aboriginal culture with savoury damper and activities for all ages. Nadine's family history is proudly displayed at the Kalbarri Skywalk, a testament to their deep roots in the region. Her story is a reflection of the living cultures and history that NAIDOC Week honors.
Aaron's Commitment:
Aaron's journey across Australia's diverse landscapes, from the central desert to the tropics, has shaped his passion for community and positive change. As a child of the bush, raised on Doon Doon Station near his grandmother's country, Aaron's roots run deep in the land and its traditions. His role at Horizon Power allows him to collaborate with a dedicated team, striving to deliver impactful outcomes for Aboriginal communities. Outside of work, Aaron cherishes time with family, traveling across the country to connect with loved ones. During NAIDOC Week, he celebrates the resilience and achievements of First Nation peoples, their fight for justice, and the hope for a better tomorrow. Aaron's story is a testament to the enduring spirit and determination of Australia's First People.
Regina's Pride:
Regina's story is a celebration of her Yinhawangka heritage and the inclusive community of her childhood in Cadoux. Despite being the only Aboriginal family in town, she felt a strong sense of belonging and never faced racism. Now, as part of the Horizon Power team, Regina relishes the chance to connect with Traditional Owners across WA. Her love for family, beach walks with her dog, and social gatherings reflect her deep-rooted values. NAIDOC Week holds a special place in her heart, as it honors Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and resonates with current events. Regina takes pride in her Aboriginal lineage and the strength it represents, a sentiment echoed in this year's NAIDOC theme.
Tracey's Advocacy:
Tracey a proud Yamatji woman, whose roots lie deep in the Mid-West/Murchison region. Though raised on Noongar boodja country, she carries the spirit of Yamatji within her. As the eldest of three and a matriarch to her own, she upholds the strong female lineage that defines her family.
Her life is a dance between cultural duties and the Western world she inhabits, a balance that's both challenging and rewarding. She finds solace in her role at Horizon Power, a place that not only acknowledges but actively engages with Aboriginal culture, paving the way for true reconciliation.
Her wish? That we walk in both worlds together, understanding and learning from one another. Let's honour her story and the many others like hers, as we strive for a future of unity and mutual respect.
At Horizon Power we're committed to challenging the status quo and leading our industry with reconciliation actions that are informed by our Aboriginal employees and the broader Aboriginal community on the lands we operate in.
Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud
#NAIDOC #naidocweek](https://curatorio.s3.amazonaws.com/03301a57-5bc5-499a-91b7-6b389cadfd43/353212388.jpg)
As we celebrate National NAIDOC Week, Horizon Power is proud to share our vision for a reconciled Australia. We envision a nation that acknowledges the injustices of its past, embraces cultural diversity, advocates for self-determination, and stands united against all forms of racism. Our commitment to this vision is reflected in our actions, informed by the voices of our Aboriginal employees and the broader community. We're dedicated to leading our industry with meaningful reconciliation actions on the lands we operate in. This week, we yarned with our Indigenous employees, who bring unique perspectives and experiences to our Horizon Power family. Their stories are a testament to the strength and resilience of Aboriginal culture and heritage. Nadine's Celebration: Nadine's NAIDOC Week in Carnarvon is a vibrant celebration of culture and community. As a Yamaji from the Mid West and Gascoyne region, Nadine has a profound connection to the river and the land. Her childhood memories are filled with camping, fishing, and the unique beauty of the upside-down river that flows through her hometown. This week, she's actively participating in events, from a ceremonial march to a family fun day, sharing the joy of Aboriginal culture with savoury damper and activities for all ages. Nadine's family history is proudly displayed at the Kalbarri Skywalk, a testament to their deep roots in the region. Her story is a reflection of the living cultures and history that NAIDOC Week honors. Aaron's Commitment: Aaron's journey across Australia's diverse landscapes, from the central desert to the tropics, has shaped his passion for community and positive change. As a child of the bush, raised on Doon Doon Station near his grandmother's country, Aaron's roots run deep in the land and its traditions. His role at Horizon Power allows him to collaborate with a dedicated team, striving to deliver impactful outcomes for Aboriginal communities. Outside of work, Aaron cherishes time with family, traveling across the country to connect with loved ones. During NAIDOC Week, he celebrates the resilience and achievements of First Nation peoples, their fight for justice, and the hope for a better tomorrow. Aaron's story is a testament to the enduring spirit and determination of Australia's First People. Regina's Pride: Regina's story is a celebration of her Yinhawangka heritage and the inclusive community of her childhood in Cadoux. Despite being the only Aboriginal family in town, she felt a strong sense of belonging and never faced racism. Now, as part of the Horizon Power team, Regina relishes the chance to connect with Traditional Owners across WA. Her love for family, beach walks with her dog, and social gatherings reflect her deep-rooted values. NAIDOC Week holds a special place in her heart, as it honors Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and resonates with current events. Regina takes pride in her Aboriginal lineage and the strength it represents, a sentiment echoed in this year's NAIDOC theme. Tracey's Advocacy: Tracey a proud Yamatji woman, whose roots lie deep in the Mid-West/Murchison region. Though raised on Noongar boodja country, she carries the spirit of Yamatji within her. As the eldest of three and a matriarch to her own, she upholds the strong female lineage that defines her family. Her life is a dance between cultural duties and the Western world she inhabits, a balance that's both challenging and rewarding. She finds solace in her role at Horizon Power, a place that not only acknowledges but actively engages with Aboriginal culture, paving the way for true reconciliation. Her wish? That we walk in both worlds together, understanding and learning from one another. Let's honour her story and the many others like hers, as we strive for a future of unity and mutual respect. At Horizon Power we're committed to challenging the status quo and leading our industry with reconciliation actions that are informed by our Aboriginal employees and the broader Aboriginal community on the lands we operate in. Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud #NAIDOC #naidocweek
Understanding your energy bill
Read moreHorizon 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.