Power Outage Ballarat: How to Prepare for Power Outages

Ballarat Power Outages Facts 

Unplanned power outages in Ballarat are typically brought about by severe weather, such as intense heat waves, powerful winds, torrential rain, lightning, and bushfires. 

Tree branches, animals, auto accidents, and damaging poles and wires can cause outages. Vandalism, vendor, and client. Unplanned outages can also result from subterranean construction, equipment failure, and network overload.

Ballarat Power Outage News

On Tuesday, February 13, when temperatures in Victoria were at an all-time high, all four units of AGL's Loy Yang A power plant in the Latrobe Valley went down. As a storm front blows over areas of the state, including Ballarat, thousands are without power due to severe temperatures, strong winds, and several lightning strikes that have destroyed electrical infrastructure.

Victorian wholesale electricity rates rose to $16,600 per megawatt-hour in the afternoon, while NSW and Queensland's prices remained at $29.61 and $286.97, respectively. Just after 2:00 pm, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) began load shedding in Victoria, which involves cutting off clients due to a supply shortage.

While Powercor delivers energy over 64% of Victoria, including the region west of Melbourne and through central and western Victoria, Citipower supplies electricity to 332,000 client connections in the Melbourne CBD and inner suburbs.

How to Check the Latest Power Outage in Ballarat

The following are the detailed steps to check the latest power outage in Ballarat.

Step 1: Go to Powercor's webpage. To check Powercor's current power outages, visit https://www.powercor.com.au.

Step 2: Choose the "outages" menu item. Choose the 'outages' option from the top menu bar on the webpage.

Step 3: Decide to go with Ballarat. On the outages page, select 'Ballarat' from the drop-down menu.

Step 4: Examine the disruptions. A list of the current outages in Ballarat will be visible.

Step 5: Verify often. Regularly check the Powercor website for information regarding outages.

How to Check the Status of Your Power Outage Ballarat

Customers in Ballarat, Victoria can use the EnergyAustralia website to check the current status of their power outage.

Customers may check whether there is a power outage in their region by entering their address, postcode, or suburb on the website. After entering their data, customers will obtain a list of the current outages in the area. 

After that, customers may click on the particular outage that interests them to learn more about its projected length and associated problems. In addition, customers may read up on EnergyAustralia's most recent updates and see a map of the outage's impacted region.

How to Report a Power Outage

Please contact Powercor, your neighbourhood energy supplier, if you need to report a power outage while you're in the Ballarat region. Call 1800 769 375 to report the outage, or use the web form at https://www.outages.powercor.com.au/report.

How to Prepare for A Ballarat Power Outage?

It pays to be ready if you are aware that there will be a planned power outage or if you are aware that storms and other unforeseen circumstances might cause a blackout.

You can qualify for protection under the life support energy standards if you or anybody else in your home uses life support equipment. This implies that you should receive advance notice of any power outages from your local distributor and that your property will be reconnected as soon as possible in the case of a power loss. The following are the tips for preparing for a power outage in Ballarat.

Tip 1: Charge All Communication Devices 

Communication devices like computers, tablets, cell phones, extra batteries, and power banks should be well-charged before a planned or anticipated power outage. Consider getting a solar power bank to help keep your gadgets running during a protracted power outage.

Assemble a disaster supply package.

Assemble a home emergency kit, including medical supplies, medications, personal hygiene items, flashlights, and portable power banks. Always have a battery-operated radio to monitor emergency services for updates.

If a severe weather event causes a power outage, grab important papers, health records, pet insurance, house insurance, and tiny, emotional personal belongings if you must flee your house quickly.

Tip 2: Purchase Non-Perishable Food and Drink

Food in your refrigerator or freezer may become dangerous during an extended power outage. Ensure you have enough non-perishable food and beverages, such as bottled water.

Tip 3: Get Your Home and Vehicles Prepared

By getting ready for a severe weather event that might result in a power outage, you can reduce the damage to your house and its valuables. To assist in minimising damage during strong winds, secure loose things in the backyard, such as athletic equipment, bikes, trampolines, outdoor furniture, and tools.

If at all feasible, park your cars in a garage or carport where they are covered. Consider getting to your vehicle without difficulty during a planned repair outage. Your electronic garage doors or electric gates could not be working. Whether you drive an electric, diesel, or gasoline car, you must also ensure the fuel is full.

Tip 4: Make An Emergency Plan

The first thing you should do when the power goes out is make a backup plan. In case the power goes out, your backup plan should include:

- How do you contact friends and family in an emergency?

- Insurance contracts, bank statements, and medical records should be kept safe.

- How do you care for your dogs when the power goes out?

- What things should you put in your survival kit?

- What should you do if you need medical tools, medications that must be kept cold, or help with a disability during a power outage?

Tip 5: Pack an Emergency Kit

Put together an emergency kit with extra batteries, a torch, a battery-powered radio, bottled water, food that won't go inadequate, medical supplies, blankets, and any other clothes you might need. 

It's wise to put your emergency kit somewhere easy to find if the power goes out. To protect sensitive electronics, set in a surge blocker ahead of time. What should be in a power outage emergency kit?

Tip 6: Choose a Backup Power

Backup power can keep essential electronics and appliances going when the main power goes out. You should buy a backup power source, like a generator or portable power station. You need to know how to use and keep backup power safely. Many generators can be backup generators for homes in Ballarat, including gas, diesel, propane and solar. 

Gas Generator:

Natural gas generators are more cost-effective and easier to run than fossil fuel generators. They can run on natural gas, propane, or gasoline and are easy to fill. Some gas engines can be moved around.

However, installing a whole-house generator can cost a lot—anywhere from a few thousand dollars to over ten thousand dollars. Different generators can do other things, but natural gas engines can't. Because it is a solid fuel, it gives off greenhouse gases.

Diesel Generator:

Diesel engines are good for when the power goes out because they use little fuel, last a long time, and put out a lot of power. They use less gas to run and stay at the same power level longer. Diesel engines are made to last longer than other engines and can handle a lot of use.

Diesel generators may cost more than other generators at first, and the price can change based on the price of diesel fuel. Some engines, especially older ones, can make more noise than this.  

Propane Generator:

Propane engines have some problems, such as not being as reliable and having an effect on the environment. Propane generators are a reliable way to get power when the power goes out, even in remote areas or when supply lines are messed up. Propane is a clean fuel that doesn't make as many pollutants or waste products as diesel or gasoline engines. This means less upkeep and less damage to the earth.

But propane generators cost more to buy at first than gasoline generators. Propane engines don't make a lot of energy, and they may not be as easy to move around as diesel or gasoline engines because the propane tanks are heavy.

Solar Generator:

Solar energy is a resource that can be used over and over again. It is especially easy to get to Australia, where there is plenty of sunlight. Solar generators don't give off any pollution or fumes. Because they don't make noise, they're a good choice for places where people live. Solar generators may be less expensive than other types of generators.

However, solar generators don't hold as much power as regular home batteries. But some solar brands, like Jackery, let you add more battery packs to increase their power and make them work better for your home.

After comparison, the solar generator could be more suitable for home use during a power outage in Ballarat since it is safe to use without any noise and pollutants, especially compared with gas or diesel generators. Moreover, it recharges in multiple ways; you can refuel your generator with sunlight and use wall outlets to recharge quickly during the day. We highly recommend Jackery Solar Generators, which have higher capacity (from 300Wh to 12 kWh) and are best for home backup.  

Jackery Solar Generators for Ballarat Power Outages

Power outages in Ballarat are frequently caused by inclement weather or grid maintenance. Being ready is essential, and Jackery Solar Generators provide a dependable option. As mentioned above, solar generators are more suitable for handling power outages at home due to their low noise level and no emissions than gas or diesel generators. They guarantee that your necessary gadgets, like laptops, phones, and lights, continue to function, keeping you secure and connected.

By pairing the Jackery Portable Power Station with Jackery Solar Panels, you can capture and store solar energy, ensuring you have stored power ready for emergencies. 

With multiple output options, the Jackery Portable Power Station allows you to charge various devices simultaneously, keeping you connected and prepared. Moreover, these Portable Power Stations are versatile - they can be charged via solar panels, carports, or wall outlets, making them ideal for planned and unexpected power needs. 

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus raises the bar for sustainable power by fusing outstanding performance with environmentally friendly technologies. Using solar panels and Advanced IBC Technology, it can be fully charged in just 4.5 hours, eliminating the need for fossil fuels. At home or in the outdoors, its whisper-silent operation guarantees peace. 

The Solar Generator 1000 Plus, with a capacity of 1264 Wh and a 2000W output, boasts the highest output among comparable items, accommodating 99% of devices. Expandable to five power levels (up to 5 kWh capacity), offering three days of emergency backup for the home. The following are some scenarios during a power outage in Ballarat:

- In Your Kitchen: During a power outage, the refrigerator will not work anymore, but the food and fruits in it will be damaged due to the temperature. Now, you can use a Solar Generator 1000 Plus to charge your refrigerator and keep things fresh.

- In Your Home Office: Imagine that you are having a meeting with your clients or writing a business proposal, and suddenly, the power goes out. This will influence your relations with your clients or delay your work process. But a Solar Generator 1000 Plus could handle this by charging your computer, projector, or speaker simultaneously.   

Many places and appliances need electricity during a power outage, and the expandable Solar Generator 1000 Plus could satisfy your power needs. Moreover, its whisper-noise and no emissions enable you to power appliances at home without any bother. The superior protection system, like BMS and ChargeSheild 2.0, makes charging more manageable and safer at home.  

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

A dependable backup source, such as the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus, may offer practical power and peace of mind during unplanned power disruptions in Ballarat. It combines Explorer 2000 Plus with SolarSaga 200W solar panels to use solar energy efficiently.

With additional battery packs, the Jackery 2000 Plus's outstanding 2 kWh capacity may be increased to 12 kWh. Thanks to our extendable design, you will never be without electricity, even during extended outages. The unit's high 3000W output covers all essential appliances, such as refrigerators, lights, and communication devices, making it an ideal backup source for managing the unpredictability of Ballarat's power issues. The following are its scenarios for a power outage:

- In Your Living Room: When watching your favourite TV or sports show, the power goes out, especially in summer or winter. You will no longer use your ceiling fan or space heater while watching TV or using the stereo system. No worries; the Solar Generator 2000 Plus with expandable capacity is powerful enough to charge your TV, portable AC, space heater, portable fan, stereo system, and more in your living room during a blackout.

- In Your Bedroom: If an unexpected power outage happens when you lay down, you will lose the power to charge lights, medical machines (like CPAP), air conditioning, or space heaters. However, a 2000 Plus has multiple output ports and a higher capacity to support your appliances and devices continuously.

Featuring a LiFePO4 battery, The Explorer 2000 Plus is built to last with over a decade of use. Not only does it offer long-lasting reliability, but it also operates with minimal noise and no emissions, making it safe for indoor use. Whether you need it for emergency preparedness or regular use, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus provides consistent and quiet power without fuel or fumes, perfect for any household. 

What To Do During & After Power Outage in Ballarat?

During a power outage, you might encounter several risks that could endanger your health and well-being. Use these pointers to help you deal with an unexpected power outage in Ballarat.

Tip 1: Check the source and nature of the outage.

Determining whether the power outage is specific to your house, neighbourhood, state, or street is critical. As soon as you see a power loss, record the time, check the safety switch in your house, and call your neighbours.

To find out what's causing the outage, if it's limited to your home or just a portion of it, contact a certified electrician. For information from emergency services, tune in to a radio that runs on batteries. Check the Bureau of Meteorology Victorian Warnings Summary on your phone in the event of severe weather. Victorians can also obtain information and emergency warnings via the VicEmergency mobile app and website.

Tip 2: Turn off and unplug electronic devices.

To protect your house and belongings from a power surge, turn off and disconnect any electrical equipment at the switch, especially if the power loss is due to a storm. To help you remember when electricity comes back to your property, leave an alarm clock or light on or keep an eye on a fixture like your oven clock.

Tip 3: Get information about a particular outage from your energy distributor.

Your energy distributor can tell you more about a specific interruption. If you're unsure who yours is, search them online or find their name and contact information on your statement.

Helpful information regarding a blackout in your region may be found on the outage map provided by your distributor.

 Tip 4: Heat and light without electricity.

For warmth and lighting in the absence of power, try these ideas:

- Many layers of clothes are more effective in retaining body heat than a single heavy layer.

- Wear a hat since the scalp is where the body loses a lot of heat.

- Shut windows, doors, and blinds to keep the heat in.

- Compared to candles, torches are far safer light sources. Make sure you have enough batteries on hand.

- Candles should be kept out of the reach of youngsters and away from drafts if you must use them.

- Keep candles away from drapes and other combustible materials to reduce the fire risk.

- Before turning in for the evening, extinguish any candles.

Tip 5: Food storage without electricity.

To prevent food poisoning, food must be kept carefully. Foods that must be kept cold include meat, poultry, and dairy products. Try to keep chilled and frozen food cold if you are without electricity and unable to use your refrigerator. Food is safe if it is still chilly—less than 5 °C.

Cold or frozen food should be thrown away after four hours or until it reaches a temperature of 5 °C or above. If the food is raw meat, it should be prepared before consumption. Food should be consumed hot within four hours of being hot or thrown out.

If electricity is restored, food that has been frozen should be refrozen if it is still chilly to the touch—less than 5 °C. Select items such as bread, spreads, fruit, vegetables, and canned goods that need not be refrigerated. You may try keeping your perishables in an Esky or vehicle fridge for a short while to extend their shelf life.

Unplanned Power Outages Compensation

Your energy distributor can pay you a Guaranteed Service Level (GSL) if it doesn't satisfy supply restoration or dependability service requirements. The money you receive for supply restoration depends on how long you went without power in a given year.

Your annual supply outage frequency determines how much you pay for low reliability.

Your distributor sends automatic GSL payments to your retailer every quarter, credited to your bill. You can find out more about GSLs on your distributor's website. 

What's Not Payable Due to a Voltage Variation 

If your organisation uses or is expected to use more than 160-megawatt hours annually, or if the loss or damage isn't directly attributable to the power surge—for example, loss of profits or food loss if your fridge wasn't damaged—a distributor is exempt from having to compensate for a voltage difference. 

- You've filed a court case or made an insurance claim for the products.

- You haven't taken the necessary safety measures to reduce the possibility of losing money or harming your company.

Power Outage in Ballarat FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the power outages in Ballarat:

1. Why is it called a brownout?

The word "brownout" refers to the dimming of lights caused by a drop in voltage. Sometimes, a voltage reduction is enforced to lessen the load and avoid a blackout, which is a power outage. Other times, a voltage reduction results from an electrical system disturbance.

2. Why has my electricity gone off, but nothing has tripped?

If your electrical system is older and uses a fuse box rather than a circuit breaker box, the cause of the power outage may be defective wiring, a weak connection, a triggered GFCI outlet, or even a blown fuse.

3. Who is responsible for power lines in Victoria?

In the state, electricity distribution firms own and operate the power poles and wires that supply electricity to households and businesses.

Final Thoughts

It will be simpler to handle a power outage in Ballarat if you adhere to the advice in this article. Have a strategy for your home to plan and prepare for any disaster. Just keep your composure. We'll turn the electricity back on as soon as we can. Your electricity supplier is attempting to get your service back online around the clock.