Power Outage on Gold Coast Guide with Preparations & Strategies

Understand Power Outages on The Gold Coast 

Prolonged power outages can have a significant impact on both the entire community and the economy. A power outage refers to the sudden and unforeseen loss of electrical power.

Limited visibility is a significant hazard during power outages, particularly in expansive structures with many inhabitants. The absence of light can induce disorientation and alarm, making safely vacating the premises arduous. To tackle this problem, it is essential to understand the factors and assets contributing to Gold Coast power outages.

The following are some common reasons for power outages on the Gold Coast.

Storm-Related Factors: Strong winds, ice, and lightning can cause service interruptions. Contrary to popular belief, lightning does not directly cause outages, but it can hit trees and drop branches or even entire trees onto power wires.  

However, if lightning strikes substation equipment - like a giant transformer - it might cause issues. Ice buildup on lines and robustness, as well as high winds, may also impact distribution.

Trees and Vegetation: Vegetation, such as vines, can grow around poles, wires, or other equipment, and branches, limbs, or trunks of trees may fall on lines. Wind and ice might exacerbate the situation. For this reason, we put a lot of effort into keeping equipment and electrical lines clear.

Mishaps: Automobiles, trucks, and farm equipment colliding with utility poles can cause an outage.

Public Harm: Unsafe digging, equipment or line damage, theft, or vandalism can disrupt the energy chain. Overload occurs when demand increases, such as when too many air conditioners operate on a hot summer day, leading to brownouts or blackouts.

Equipment Problems: Although we routinely maintain and examine all our lines and equipment, unforeseen faults occur. We work hard to resolve any issue as soon as it arises.

How to Check The Latest Power Outage on The Gold Coast

It is simple to check the latest power outages on the Gold Coast via the official website:

Step 1: Go to Ergon Energy's website. Choose the "Power Outages" option from the top menu or the homepage.

Step 2: Put your location in here. Click "Go" after choosing "Gold Coast" from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: If there is an ongoing power outage in the location you are looking for, the type of outage, the anticipated restoration time, and the number of impacted customers will all be displayed.

How to Monitor the Status of Power Outage on The Gold Coast

To find out more about the outage status, call Essential Energy. The company will provide an update regarding the current outage and the anticipated power restoration time. You can also view the Essential Energy outage map, which indicates the expected time and date for each customer's power to be restored.

Once the electricity has been restored, you should contact Essential Energy immediately if the problems persist. The business can give you further details and help with any lingering issues.

How to Report A Power Outage on The Gold Coast

You can report an outage in the Gold Coast region online by visiting the Ergon Energy website or by calling 13 10 46, the Ergon Energy 24-Hour Fault and Emergency Line. Additionally, you can report it through their iOS and Android mobile apps.

How to Prepare for A Gold Coast Power Outage?

In today's fast-paced world, we rely on electricity to power our homes, businesses, and daily activities. However, power outages are erratic and can occur at any time. It is essential to be ready for these kinds of circumstances.

One fundamental justification for planning is the effect a power outage can have on our safety. After the lights go out, our dwellings become pitch-black, making moving about and finding our way around challenging. This raises the possibility of accidents, particularly for young and older people.

By making the required preparations, you can lessen the hazards and inconveniences of a blackout. You can protect your family's safety, maintain necessary services, and maintain contact with emergency help in case you need it. This is our guide for handling a power outage at your Gold Coast location.

Step 1: Emergency Contact Details  

Ensure you always have the contact information for your reliable electrical services provider. Test Point Electrical Pty Ltd provides businesses in the Northern NSW region and the Gold Coast with round-the-clock emergency services. Having our contact information on hand enables you to get in touch with us during a power outage for prompt assistance and efficient resolution of electrical problems.

Step 2: Ensure Business Safety  

During a power loss, put your own, your staff, and your customers' safety first. If necessary, convey evacuation plans and emergency protocols clearly and concisely.

If inclement weather is to blame for the outage, ensure nobody is near windows or other dangerous spots. Our staff strongly emphasises the value of safety, and we can help with any urgent electrical problems to ensure that your property is secure for everyone.

Step 3: Check Regional Power Supplies  

Before calling your electrical services provider, make sure the power outage is exclusive to your property or if it's a problem with a larger area. If the issue is unique to your company, the professionals can carry out a comprehensive evaluation to locate the problem's origin and take immediate action to fix it.

Step 4: Pack Emergency Kit  

Establishing a backup power plan and keeping an emergency pack filled with necessary supplies are equally crucial. During a power outage, these goods will keep you, your loved ones, and your children safe and comfortable.  

First and foremost, make sure you have a sufficient quantity of drinking water and non-perishable food. Make sure each person has enough for at least three days. Add products like water bottles, dry snacks, and tinned groceries. Remember to bring a manual can opener!

Add the goods you'll need for personal hygiene after that, supplies like toilet paper, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand sanitiser, and wet wipes.

A basic first aid kit is also a good idea for minor accidents. Stock your kit with extra batteries and flashlights or battery-operated lanterns. These will supply much-needed illumination throughout the blackout. Pack a portable radio to be informed about any safety updates or evacuation orders.

Home backup power supplies like Jackery Solar Generators should be on standby to offer extra power for a set period. This allows us to meet our backup power and lighting requirements when the electricity goes out. Allows vital devices such as cell phones and Wi-Fi routers to be charged. So, even if the power goes out, we can still use these devices and communicate with each other.  

Step 5: Test & Maintain Backup Power Supply

Routine testing and maintenance are crucial to ensure backup power systems are prepared for a power outage. This entails scheduling routine maintenance to address any possible problems and inspect the backup power units, such as UPS systems, generators, or power stations. 

You may improve the dependability and efficiency of backup power systems during a power outage by prioritising routine maintenance and testing. This will lessen downtime, guarantee worker safety, and shield vital hardware and data from harm.  

Step 6: Know Your Medications

Consult your physician on a contingency strategy for instances when there is a power outage, particularly for medical equipment reliant on electricity and medications requiring refrigeration. Discover the duration for which medications can be stored at elevated temperatures and obtain tailored guidance for any needed medication.

Many devices, such as CPAP machines, home ventilators, and continuous oxygen monitors, require replenishing energy. Therefore, ensuring that your home medical equipment is adequately prepared to continue providing treatment during a power outage is crucial.

Before anything else, you must acquire comprehensive knowledge of your domestic medical device. Knowing the specifics to obtain your products and make a new purchase would be best.  

Once you have collected all the pertinent information about your home medical equipment, analyse the potential impact of a power outage on its functionality. Additionally, consider investing in a portable power supply, such as the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus and 2000 Plus, to securely recharge your medical devices within the confines of your residence.

Jackery Solar Generators for Gold Coast Power Outages

The Jackery Solar Generator can be used as a backup power source if the power goes out, making life much easier when you don't have control.    

When there is a power outage, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus and Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus will keep you and your family running. Both comprise SolarSaga solar panels and portable power stations from the Explorer series.

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus has an expandable capacity of 1.25-5 kWh battery, which can power 99% of your household appliances.

Besides, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus has a battery that can be expanded from 2 kWh to 12 kWh. For this reason, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus and 2000 Plus are better choices for extra power at home.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is the ideal portable power supply for home due to its exceptional output. It can aid in home emergencies and other emergencies. It is the all-in-one solar generator for your life due to its versatility and size.   

Supports up to three additional battery packs, bringing the total capacity to 5kWh and providing 1-3 days of home backup power. A solar generator can power your communication devices, medical equipment, and refrigerators, bringing comfort and convenience. 

Stay connected and keep critical devices running with reliable backup power, assuring safety and convenience in an emergency.

The Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus portable power station, with a 10-year lifespan and a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, provides a consistent voltage and pure sine wave to ensure the safety of all your electrical gadgets. Additionally, the innovative ChargeShield technology and consistent power delivery avoid equipment damage.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

The Solar Generator 2000 Plus by Jackery significantly enhances the available choices for portable electricity with its exceptional performance. With its substantial capacity and formidable power output, this device can provide electricity for basic home needs.  

Adding battery cells to the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus enhances its capacity from 2 kWh to 12 kWh, leading to a significant transformation in providing backup power for households.

The Explorer 2000 Plus has a maximum power output of 3000W, 30% greater than other 2 kWh models with similar specifications. The bulk of critical household appliances are powered. Also, the Solar Generator 2000 Plus is commonly used, it can achieve a complete charge within 6 hours by utilising six SolarSaga 100W solar panels. The power source achieves self-sufficiency by harnessing solar energy rather than relying on the power grid for charging.

The supplementary battery pack can be recharged using solar panels, offering increased versatility while enhancing charging efficacy and reducing time consumption. Jackery Solar Panels have an impressive solar conversion efficiency of up to 25%, generating more energy during its lifespan.

What to Do During A Gold Coast Power Outage?

If it is safe to do so, the following items can help you survive a power outage without harm.

Step 1: Check Your Electricity Is Off

Check to make sure everything is okay when the power goes out. Specific typical reasons for power outages will help you determine what might happen.

See if a breaker tripped by inspecting your main electric panel. Fuses prevent circuits from overheating, which could start a fire or harm equipment. Investigate the root of the issue. Disconnect everything connected to that circuit before you turn the breaker back on. Hire an electrician if the same circuit breaker trips frequently.

If no circuit breakers have tripped, the issue is probably not limited to your area. Do the street lights not work? Do other houses have dark interiors? Check with your neighbours by giving them a call.

Step 2: Secure Your Family Members  

Power disruptions most impact the youngest members of the population. They begin to feel afraid because of the unknown and the lack of power and lighting. Parents and other senior family members are responsible for ensuring they are well-cared for, and their requirements are satisfied.

Keeping the family's older members safe is critical as lighting is limited. Adult members should make sure they are not fighting or arguing with one another during the power outage. It's a good idea to accompany them to the restroom. Reminding kids who are terrified or anxious that things will get better eventually is crucial. It's also a terrific idea to divert their attention to stories.

Keep young ones and senior family members away from power outlets and generators in the home. Severe voltage fluctuations can occur during power outages.

Lighthearted talks and games help pass the time in a cheerful and relaxed way during the power outage.

Step 3: Contact Your Local Utility Provider

Notifying your utility company of a power outage is the first thing you should do when the power goes out.

You can purchase power from authorised Retail Electric Providers (REPs) in deregulated energy markets. Find the local TDSP (Transmission & Distribution Service Providers), EDU (Electric Distribution Utilities), or TDU (Transmission and Distribution Utility) to find out who to contact when the power goes off. Although there are several acronyms, they are all related to the local utility firm that produces and supplies electricity in your area.

Step 4: Ensure Food Safety

When deciding what to do first during a power outage, make sure your pricey devices and appliances are protected. The risk of damage is the same whether there is a minute-by-minute or multi-day power outage. As you would to prevent brownouts on appliances, abide by these guidelines. For the following reasons, turn all appliances off or disconnect them:

• When the power returns, power surges have the potential to harm big appliances and delicate electronics like TVs, PCs, and tablets.
• When the power comes back on, it's easy to forget what you were using, such as the stove, which might lead to safety risks, particularly if you're not home.
• When the power comes back on, the strain may trip the electrical system's breakers if all your appliances turn on simultaneously.

Step 5: Keep Refrigerator Closed

Safeguarding your perishable food is the following item to think about during a power outage. Close the doors to the freezer and refrigerator. Food deteriorates more quickly when doors are opened because cool air can escape.

Food that has been chilled can be eaten up to four hours after the electricity is turned off. Keep goods below 40°F by packing them with ice in a cooler if the power outage lasts longer. In a fully loaded freezer, it takes approximately 48 hours for frozen goods to thaw; if your freezer is only half full, it only takes 24 hours.

Step 6: Keep Room Light

If your electricity goes out at night, what should you do? You'll require a light source right away. Although they are a classic option, candles come with fire risk. They can intensify already oppressive temperatures during the summer.

A safer substitute are lanterns and flashlights that run on batteries. Even light bulbs with built-in batteries that hold a charge in your light sockets until needed are available for purchase.

They should provide you with light for six hours during a blackout. Having a ready supply of spare batteries on hand never hurts. You can also choose the Jackery Solar Generator to charge your lights at night.

Power Outage on The Gold Coast FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the power outages on the Gold Coast:

1. Why have I got no power?

Various factors can cause a power outage in your location, including scheduled maintenance, unforeseen disruptions caused by severe weather, car accidents, strong winds, extreme temperatures, wildlife interference, or technological problems.

2. How long will a fridge stay cold?

Minimising the frequency of refrigerator and freezer door openings to preserve low temperatures. If the refrigerator remains unopened, it will maintain the cool temperature of food for approximately 4 hours.

If a fully stocked freezer door is closed, it will keep its temperature for around 48 hours. Nevertheless, if the freezer is only filled to half its capacity, it can only sustain its temperature for around 24 hours.

3. Why do my neighbours have power, but I don't?

Occasionally, customers residing in the same neighbourhood may have distinct service lines. If your metre is damaged and you and your neighbour are connected to the same service line, the electric service to your property may be disrupted. Electrical systems might experience periodic damage as a result of storms.

4. Is it safe to eat food left out for 4 hours?

Discard any food left out to cool and subsequently forgotten for 2 hours. Bacterial proliferation can occur fast on food left unattended at ambient temperature for a duration beyond 2 hours.

Final Thoughts

Power outages are frequent nowadays. Nevertheless, the livelihoods of the inhabitants will undergo substantial impact. Power outages can happen due to extreme weather conditions, equipment malfunction, and inadequate power transmission infrastructure. Regardless of the cause, a power outage can significantly disrupt people's lives.

This article explains the power outage on the Gold Coast and offers some practical advice and tips. Following the steps and tips listed will help you and your family in an emergency. Most importantly, invest in a Jackery Solar Generator as the backup power for your home's electricity.