Key Takeaways: |
• In March, approximately 15,000 homes and businesses in Coolgardie, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Southern Cross, and the nearby areas experienced a power outage. • Following intense storms and bushfires, over 20,000 houses and companies in Western Australia's Wheatbelt, Goldfields, and Great Southern districts had blackouts on 21st August. • You can check Western Power or Horizon Power during a power outage. Also, you can call 1800 799 745 or 13 13 51 to report a power outage. • There are many steps to prepare for a power outage, such as getting informed, preparing for emergency supplies, keeping some cash, or considering purchasing a backup generator, like Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus or 2000 Plus. |
Kalgoorlie Power Outages Facts
Depending on the situation, there might be various reasons for Kalgoorlie power outages. Weather-related incidents like storms, strong winds, or lightning strikes are common causes, as are mechanical problems like overloading or failing equipment. Upgrades to the electricity system or planned maintenance might also cause power interruptions.
Kalgoorlie Power Outage News
In March, approximately 15,000 homes and businesses in Coolgardie, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Southern Cross, and the nearby areas experienced a power outage, leaving them without electricity and air conditioning for a few hours in the evening. A temporary fault resulted in the tripping of a 220kV line.
During heatwaves this August, Kalgoorlie went without electricity for a week because of power outages in Western Australia. Companies were closed, and the desert town's gasoline, internet, and water supplies were all impacted by the expected 40C heat.
Australia's largest desert town, Kalgoorlie, suffered from a severe heatwave that forced the shutdown of businesses and medical facilities. Residents there might be without electricity for up to a week.
Following intense storms and bushfires, over 20,000 houses and companies in Western Australia's Wheatbelt, Goldfields, and Great Southern districts had blackouts on 21st August. According to WA police, this included "most homes and businesses" in Kalgoorlie.
The isolated mining town's residents were warned to brace themselves for up to seven days without electricity. The power outages also affected the water supply, telephone services, internet access, gas stations, and retail establishments.
Later, Woolworths and Coles were the only establishments selling canned goods in Kalgoorlie, a ghost town. Communities were encouraged by WA police to "check on vulnerable neighbours."
Kalgoorlie Power Outage Map
Many utility companies have power outage maps to track the relative updates in real-time. Here, we site the Western Power as an example to explain:
Step 1: Go to the Western Power website.
Step 2: Tape your postcode into the search bar on the left of this page.
Step 3: Click the map for further comprehensive information on a given area. Here also is the projected repair time.
Step 4: Also you can report your power outage directly on this map.
How to Check and Report Kalgoorlie Power Outages
If you live in the Kalgoorlie region, you can monitor the status of your power outage by visiting the Western Power website. By entering your location, you can check for a power outage in your region and when it will likely be restored.
How to verify the most recent Kalgoorlie power outage:
Step 1: Go to the Horizon Power website to learn more about power outages.
Step 2: Select the "State-wide Outages" option on the main screen.
Step 3: Follow the page to the "Kalgoorlie" area in the "Regional" column.
Step 4: You will get more information with the most recent details on any Kalgoorlie power outages on another page.
Call your power distributor number. For Kalgoorlie power outages, please call Horizon Power at 1800 799 745. You may also report a problem or outage by calling Horizon Power's 24/7 hotline. Also, you can call Western Power on 13 13 51 to report power outages. Please dial 000 to reach emergency assistance in a life-threatening situation.
Western Power Reporting Numbers |
|
General enquirers 8:30 - 17:00 (Weekdays) |
13 10 81 |
Power outages & Emergency (24 hours) |
13 13 51 |
Complaints |
1800 622 008 |
Report graffiti or streetlight faults |
13 10 87 |
Report corrupt or fraudulent behaviour by WP employee or contractor |
1300 304 550 |
(Data Source: Western Power)
Check Horizon Power or Western Power's Facebook page. Following your power company on Facebook is another excellent way to keep up with the state of your power outage. They routinely publish updates on outages and other pertinent information.
Compensation for Kalgoorlie Power Outages
You may be able to file a claim for compensation if your electricity provider interrupts your power supply and it is your fault. There are three different claim types:
- Extended Outage: To compensate for the inconvenience, we may be able to reimburse you $120 if your home experiences a power outage lasting 12 hours or more.
- Non-notification of Planned Outage: Planning power outages is often necessary to modernise the network, carry out scheduled maintenance, or handle emergencies. Should we, for whatever reason, neglect to notify you three days in advance of a planned outage, you may be entitled to a $20
- For Loss or Damage: If an interruption or malfunction in your energy supply that we caused results in loss or damage to your land, possessions, or crops. Receipts, repair records, and pictures of any damage must be provided.
How can you be paid after a successful claim?
While specific claims can be looked at and resolved in a matter of weeks, others can require more time. A check may be mailed within 30 to 45 days after receiving your claim if your claim is approved and the settlement requirements are satisfied. The electrical account holder's name will appear on the check, which will be forwarded to the address you gave on your claim form.
How to Prepare for A Kalgoorlie Power Outage?
Kalgoorlie power outages can create challenges and concerns for many individuals, especially those in vulnerable situations. With well-organised preparations, you can achieve peace of mind and eliminate the stress of searching for items or reaching out to someone in uncertainty.
Step 1: Keep Informed
Severe thunderstorms and bushfire incidents have caused extensive outages, affecting residents and businesses in the Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Perth Hills regions. Synergy is collaborating with Western Power to address the areas impacted by the power outages.
As a result of the prolonged outages, Western Power is facing a surge in call volumes and extended wait times. For additional details, visit the Western Power outage updates webpage. Stay informed with the latest updates on power outages through the Western Power outage service.
If you experience power outages that last 12 hours or longer, you might qualify for a service standard payment. Reach out to Western Power to submit your application once the power has been restored.
Step 2: Prepare for Emergency Supplies
You want to avoid rushing to get supplies during a power outage. Therefore, gathering all necessary supplies in one convenient location is smart since you have electricity. Think about how to prepare your family and yourself for a power outage and what to do in its incident.
As summer outages differ from winter outages, assemble a summer outage pack: Prepare your household's needs and gather the supplies to be hydrated, nourished, and chilled. Here are a few essentials, and here are more for a PSPS.
- Headlamps or flashers
- Radios and fans operated by batteries or by hand
- Additional batteries
- Mobile phone and electronic gadget chargers for cars
- Water in bottles for humans and animals (if the water pump depends on electricity)
- Frozen water in plastic bottles or bags or cold packs (have ready in your freezer)
- Jackery Solar Generator, as the portable backup power supply to charge appliances in an emergency or power outage
Store food safely by putting your freezer and refrigerator in the coldest setting before the power outage. Try your best to keep the doors closed while the electricity is off. For advice on lowering the risk of food-related disease during power outages, see the HealthyWA website.
Regular evaluation of this kit's contents will help you add it to your spring and autumn checklists, preventing things from expiring. Replace the batteries; even if they have not been used, it is always advisable to ensure your kit contains a new pair of batteries or a generator.
Step 3: Turn Off Your Appliances
Before the power outage or restoration, turn off and unplug any delicate electrical appliances or equipment. Use surge protection devices to safeguard your equipment from any power spikes or surges once the power is restored.
If you have electronic garage doors or electric gates or live on a small street, consider pulling your car out of your driveway, front yard, or street. Trucks should be stopped in front of driveways or narrow roadways to finish work on poles and wires safely.
Even if your modem isn't working, you can still use your phone's data connection to access files from work, school, or the internet. Contact your telecom operator to find out about possible data allowances.
Step 4: Prepare A Backup Power Solution
Although many of us take for granted the notion of dependable, continuous electrical energy, the truth is that it can be a fragile thread. Across various regions, storms, severe colds, snowfall, and other natural calamities can swiftly disrupt electricity supply for hours or even days.
Moreover, for various businesses and organisations, even a brief power outage can lead to disastrous consequences; a prolonged electrical disruption can have significant financial, data, and logistical repercussions for any entity.
Safeguard yourself and ensure seamless business operations by investing in a reliable backup power supply. Choose from a range of portable and standby generators and UPS options tailored to the size of your home or business.
We suggest the Jackery Solar Generator for your household or small-scale business needs. This innovative solution combines solar panels with a portable power station, harnessing solar energy to generate electricity efficiently. It operates quietly and produces zero emissions, making it an ideal choice for power outages.
Step 5: Keep Some Cash on Hand
Having cash available during a power outage is crucial, as essential services such as ATMs, credit card machines, and gas pumps may become inoperative without electricity. This situation can hinder your ability to access funds electronically, making cash necessary for purchasing vital items like food, gas, or other essentials from stores that still accept physical currency.
During a power outage, electronic payment systems depend on electricity to function, which means you may be unable to use debit or credit cards. Even during a power outage, you might need to purchase food, water, batteries, or other essentials from stores that still accept cash.
Jackery Solar Generators for Power Outages
Today, many households buy home generators to run through an outage. For example, a house generator may run a refrigerator and freezer and supply electricity to charge phones and turn on lighting.
Usually running on gasoline, most generators produce carbon monoxide as a side effect. Homeowners should never run a generator indoors, particularly in sheds or garages, since carbon monoxide can reach lethal amounts relatively fast. Here, we suggest the Jackery Solar Generator, which uses renewable energy to charge appliances without noise and pollution.
Jackery Solar Generator combines Jackery Solar Panels with a Portable Power Station, which can turn sunlight into electricity. A Jackery Solar Generator is necessary if you value your safety and want to avoid being left in the dark during a power outage.
Also, don't worry about the bad weather; the Jackery Portable Power Station supports recharge in several ways, including solar panels, wall outlets, and carports. As for the Kalgoorlie power outages, we recommend Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus and 1000 Plus.
Appliances |
Working Hours |
|
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus (2-12 kWh) |
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus (1.26-5 kWh) |
|
Fridge (350W) |
5.2-29.1H |
3-12.1H |
LED Light (25W) |
73.44-408H |
30.7-170H |
TV (60W) |
30.6-170H |
17.7-70.8H |
Coffee Maker (550W) |
3.3-18.5H |
1.9-7.7H |
Stove (750W) |
2.4-13.6H |
1.4-5.7H |
Kettle (800W) |
2.3-12.75H |
1.3-5.3H |
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
During a power outage, we strongly recommend the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus, which integrates the Explorer 2000 Plus power station with the SolarSaga 100W. Incorporating battery cells into the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus enhances its capacity from 2 kWh to 12 kWh, revolutionising the home's backup power system.
- Expandable Capacity for Any Power Outage: During an extended power outage, its expandable capacity of 2 to 12 kWhensures you will not deplete your electricity supply. This capacity is sufficient to operate various equipment, including refrigerators, lights, water pumps, ovens, etc.
- Even Charge for High-Duty Appliances: The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus, with a maximum output of 3,000W, can power practically all vital equipment and appliances for your home during a power outage, which can be the best home generator ever.
- Consistent & Reliable Power Supply: The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus features a LiFePO4 battery, offering remarkable durability with a lifespan of up to 10 years or 4000 cycles at 70%+ capacity. Despite years of utilisation, it remains suitable for several-hour blackouts or few-week power outages.
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus - pairing Explorer 1000 Plus with SolarSaga 100W - is the perfect home backup power source with outstanding output. Supported by 99% of devices, the Solar Generator 1000 Plus offers the most significant output among similar-level goods with a capacity of 1264 Wh and a 2000W output.
- More Power in A Compact Size: This portable power generator is a versatile electricity solution with a capacity of 1264Whand a power output of 2000W. This capacity and output can efficiently power most household appliances during a power outage in Kalgoorlie. This battery pack may be enlarged to 5 kWh, eliminating the requirement for recharging even in an extended blackout.
- Multiple Charging Methods: The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus may be charged by many methods, including solar, wall, and automobile charging. The solar charging feature enables complete unit recharging in about 5 hourswith four Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panels. In contrast, wall charging requires approximately 100 minutes, should you need a rapid charge at home.
- Safe and Long-Lasting: The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus features superior LiFePO4 battery cell technology, recognised for its safety, durability, and dependability. The battery endures numerous charge cycles, providing a reliable power source for up to ten years under typical usage conditions.
What to Do During & After The Kalgoorlie Power Outage?
Storms, accidents, and bad weather can interfere with our accustomed electricity. Sometimes, there are brief flickers of electricity followed by a return.
Severe damage to the electrical infrastructure and power connections can result in power outages that linger for several days or even weeks. With the help of this guide, you may be secure and comfortable both during and after any power outage in Kalgoorlie.
What To Do During A Kalgoorlie Power Outage:
Call Western Power on 13 13 51 right away for any of the following:
Call Horizon Power for Kalgoorlie Power Outages |
|
Fallen Powerlines |
Stay away, and call immediately if you see or hear anything that might help us diagnose the issue (such as a dangling electrical line or a loud bang). Your assistance with any information will enable our emergency personnel to safely and swiftly restore electricity. |
Dull or Flickering Lights |
If you're experiencing low voltage, partial supply, "brown out," or dim or flickering lights, avoid touching your fuse box or any metal objects in your house. Turn off and disconnect your appliances if you can easily reach electrical outlets. |
A Shock or Tingle When Touching Appliances |
Make sure no one touches any electrical appliances or water faucets. If you get tingles or shocks from them, phone us right away. After reporting the issue to us, have your wiring quickly inspected by a licensed electrical professional. |
Check if other appliances or lights are working. Ensure your main switch is ON and examine your switchboard fuse box to determine if any of your safety switches, often called residual current devices or RCDs, have tripped.
Check if your neighbours have power. See whether any lights are on or contact them. This will assist you in determining whether an outage is limited to your property or whether there is a more significant problem.
It's a good idea to disconnect sensitive items like laptops, TVs, gaming consoles, air conditioners, heaters, microwaves, and reticulation systems to lower the chance of damage. Power fluctuations may occur when the power comes back on.
What To Do After A Kalgoorlie Power Outage:
Turning off the lights and lamps may lessen the possibility of potential power fluctuations harming your house. Just one light switch should be left on so you can tell when the power comes back on.
Follow your operating instructions to check and reset equipment (such as air conditioners, reticulation, pool pumps, microwaves, etc.) with clocks or timers. If you have partial or no power or if your neighbours have power while you do not, Make sure all safety switches, including RCDs, are in the "on" position in your fuse box.
Always have a licensed electrician inspect any appliances or equipment you feel may have been harmed during a power outage. Avoid attempting to fix it yourself.
Only open your freezer or refrigerator door until it's essential. Plan to keep the door open as little as possible. If the door of a power-outage refrigerator is closed, the food inside will remain safe for four hours. For 48 hours, a fully loaded freezer will maintain its temperature (or 24 hours if half-filled). Store food outside if it's cold enough (40 degrees or less). Use a thermometer to keep an eye on temperatures.
Kalgoorlie Power Outages FAQs
The following are the frequently asked questions about the power outages in Kalgoorlie:
- What is the cause of the Kalgoorlie power outage?
Power outages in Kalgoorlie can happen for different reasons based on the situation. Some usual reasons are weather events like storms, strong winds, lightning strikes, and mechanical problems like equipment failure or overload. Also, power outages can happen due to planned maintenance or improvements to the power grid.
- How long can food last in the fridge when it is powered off?
The length of time food can last in a fridge without power depends on several factors, including the temperature of the food before the power outage, the ambient temperature, and how well-insulated the refrigerator is. Refrigerated content can stay safe for up to 4 hours if the fridge remains closed. After that, perishable items such as meat, dairy products, and leftovers may spoil and become unsafe to consume.
- Can you shower when the power is out?
If you want to shower during a power outage, having a traditional tank-style water heater in your home is essential. If your water heater still has hot water, you can enjoy a warm shower! If you're thinking about taking a shower, it's a good idea to do it soon after the power goes out!
Final Thoughts
In summary, power outages can be annoying and unpleasant, but they can be controlled with the correct planning and actions. Knowing what to do in the case of a power loss and keeping up with local authorities' announcements are crucial. Proactive planning and the astute use of backup solar generators and alternative energy sources may guarantee minimising any disturbance brought on by a power outage in Kalgoorlie is minimised.