Power Outage in South Australia with Preparations & Strategies

Understanding Power Outages in South Australia

About 850,000 people get their energy from the network that distributes it. It is privately owned and run by SA Power Networks (SAPN). There is a good chance that SAPN will fix the power problem if it happens.

Following the severe weather conditions in SA, residents have experienced several power outages, triggering many conversations and worries. Over 35,000 households are experiencing a power outage, primarily in the eastern part of Adelaide and along the foothills.

SA Power Networks clarified in their last status report that the power source, whether wind, solar, gas or fossil fuels, is not responsible for the outages. Instead, attention should be directed towards the external elements, precisely the harsh climatic conditions afflicting the area.

The causes of power outages, irrespective of their source, include fallen trees that destroy power lines and lightning strikes that impact the network.

The bulletin also highlights the increased susceptibility of power equipment during bushfire risk conditions, such as those being observed today.

The heightened watchfulness, although essential for reducing the likelihood of fire outbreaks, can result in more frequent power interruptions in response to malfunctions. On the other hand, the settings are less responsive to changes in routine or turbulent conditions, which decreases the probability of interruptions.

The electrical power grid becomes inaccessible during a power outage in South Africa or elsewhere. Multiple sources can cause power outages.

Regardless of the underlying reason, a power outage is classified as such when it impacts broad regions rather than just a single household. Suppose all houses in a neighbourhood are receiving electricity except for one. In that case, the problem lies with the circuit breaker in that residence rather than caused by a power outage.

How to Report Power Outage in South Australia

To report a power outage in SA, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Open the SA Power Networks website and find the current power outage map to check why your power goes. You can also search for your location on this site.

Step 2: After you send the SA Power Networks your report, they'll review it and invite the next crew. They'll only get in touch with you if they need more information.

Step 3: Alternatively, you can call different numbers depending on your situation. For example, you can call 13 13 66 for faults and emergencies. Call 13 12 61 for general enquirers. Call 1800 676 043 for streetlight fault reports 1300 650 014 for builders and electrical contractors service, or 13 14 50 for interpreter service.

Please use the SA Power Networks website number to contact your local energy distributor if you've lost power or wish to report a fallen powerline or a power outage in SA. Additionally, SA Power Networks' emergency number (13 13 66) is open around the clock.

How Do You Prepare for A Power Outage in SA?

Whether it is a winter storm, spring thunderstorm, or extreme weather event, power outages and the absence of other essential services can frequently occur.

While power outages are typically brief, adequately preparing for an outage lasting three days or longer is advisable. The following are tips for preparing for power outages in SA.

Step 1: Make An Emergency Plan  

Making an emergency plan is the first thing you should do to prepare for a power outage. It should have directions, helpful knowledge, and a list of things you must do. Make sure your backup plan has these things:

• A set of directions for what to do if the power goes out.
• A list of emergency numbers, including those for your power company, the fire service, and the hospital in your area.
• A list of things you'll need in case the power goes out, like a torch, batteries, and a first-aid kit.
• How do you get to the closest emergency shelter?
• Please write down this emergency plan and keep it somewhere safe. That way, you can quickly find it if you need to.

It's also a good idea to join the SA Power Networks alert system to get important messages and tips. Keep your message mailbox manageable and your phone off during a power outage. This will allow you to receive emergency alerts.

Step 2: Gather Important Items  

Put together a first aid kit, flashlights, batteries, candles, non-perishable food, and bottled water in an emergency kit. This kit must be stored in a specified area and easily accessible.

During a power outage, no one wants to run around the dark house looking for needed things. If the power goes out, assemble a simple first aid kit and tool kit beforehand.

When there is a power outage, your first line of defence is an emergency kit. Make sure your emergency supplies are up to date, in good functioning order, and suitable for ingestion when the time comes by routinely inspecting and replenishing them.

Cleaning products and hand sanitisers can help you stay healthy and avoid getting sick. Always keep screwdrivers, wrenches, and other tools in the tool kit if the power goes out and you need to fix something.

Home backup power tools, like Jackery Solar Generators, should be on hand to provide extra power for a certain amount of time. This helps us meet our backup power and lighting needs when the power goes out. Allows essential gadgets like cell phones and Wi-Fi routers to be charged. So, even if the power goes out, we can still use these things and talk to each other.

Buy backup power sources like the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus or 1000 Plus to ensure you always have power when the power goes out. These small solar generators get power from the sun and make clean, endless electricity. They give essential tools and appliances a safe backup power source. 

The Jackery Solar Generator line has an extensive lithium battery, several AC outlets, and USB ports, making it a valuable and adaptable power source in various scenarios.

Step 3: Prepare for Life Support

If you depend on the uninterrupted power supply for life-sustaining equipment, the information presented in this section will assist you.

The life support equipment is energised by gas or electricity, as determined necessary by your medical practitioner. The prevailing categories of life support equipment include:

• Oxygen concentrator
• Intermittent peritoneal dialysis machine
• Kidney dialysis machine
• Ventilator for life support. 

If you or someone you are acquainted with depends on medical equipment, here are some additional suggestions to effectively plan and handle your requirements during a power failure:

• To enrol in Life Support, you must have your Medical Practitioner fill out a medical certificate and submit it to us.
• Establish a contingency plan for power outages.
• Ensure that any medical equipment requiring electricity has a battery backup or a generator. Personal or medical alert systems may also experience disruptions during a power outage.
• Acquire knowledge of the telephone number and geographical position of the hospital closest to you.
• Ensure you have readily accessible emergency contact numbers for acquaintances, relatives, physicians, fire brigade, law enforcement, and emergency medical services.
• It is advisable always to have a mobile device that is not dependent on electricity from the main power supply. Both cordless phones and those connected to the NBN are rendered inoperative during power shortages.
• Be prepared to leave your home if an extended outage occurs.

Step 4: Stay Informed & Updated

Keep up with possible threats, evacuation orders, and power outage repairs by watching weather forecasts, emergency alerts, and news from local governments and utility companies.

Sign up for SA Power Networks alerts through text messages, emails, or government-provided apps for your phone to get information and directions immediately. In an emergency, use official websites and social media to learn about the weather, road closures, and community services.

General enquiries & support

Retrieve contact details and solutions to often-asked problems in SA Power Networks, or dial their general queries hotline - 13 12 61.

Faults & emergencies

To report malfunctions or urgent situations, please get in touch with their 24/7 telephone hotline at 13 13 66.

Step 5: Protect & Manage Appliances

Ensure that your communication device is fully charged in severe weather, and consider acquiring a portable phone charger to eliminate the need for a power outlet to recharge your smartphone.  

Before the arrival of a storm, it is advisable to disconnect all electronic devices that are susceptible to power surges, such as laptops, TVs, and specific household appliances like toasters and microwaves, as they are at risk of being destroyed by sudden increases in electrical current.

Before doing any necessary repairs, your electricity distributor will notify you of any planned works and outages.

• Access a charged mobile phone or landline that doesn't rely on electricity.
• Alternative lighting, such as a torch or a battery-operated light.
• Alternative cooking facilities and heating.
• Access to fresh water.
• Before the power outage is scheduled, ensure appliances are turned off.

Step 6: Ensure Food Supplies

Water is more essential to the human body in the short term than food. However, it will quickly become a primary concern during a prolonged power outage. Ensure an ample supply of non-perishable food items, such as fruits and vegetables, canned meats, fruit bars, cereal, peanut butter, and other high-energy foods that need not be refrigerated. It is important to note that an electric stove requires home backup power to function.

Remember small items, such as a manual can-opener, and the essential requirements for maintaining good health. While it is possible to sustain oneself temporarily on Twinkies and chocolate bars, the outcome will not be aesthetically pleasing.

Consider additional provisions that may be necessary if you can only depart from your residence for a limited number of days. For individuals who depend on prescription or over-the-counter medications, as well as other medical provisions, it is advisable to maintain a minimum of one week's worth of supplies at home, if not a greater quantity. 

Jackery Solar Generators for Power Outages in SA

The Jackery Solar Generator can be a backup power source if there is a power outage in SA, 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 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 gadgets. Although 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.

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.

What to Do During A Power Outage in SA?

Protecting your home (and those inside) from any damage caused by power outages should be your primary concern. Proper planning supersedes any worries you may have when a power outage strikes.

The best thing to do is plan what you should do before, during, and after the power outage. Here are some additional steps you can take during a power outage in SA.

Step 1: Double-check the coverage of the power outage.

You might not know it, but the power outage may only happen in your house. During a power outage, you may need to check if your neighbours have power. If they do, this indicates a localised issue with your home only.

If you discover that the wires may be damaged, you may need to call an emergency electrician to check. It is best to save the number of your electric supply provider and your electrician in SA, especially in an emergency.

Step 2: Turn off electrical appliances.

A power surge may trigger or accompany a power outage, so you must turn off all electrical appliances, gadgets, and other electronic equipment. Doing so will save your appliances from unexpected or unprecedented power surge damage.

Step 3: Don't leave candles unattended. 

While using candles as a light source during a blackout is expected, you must keep them out of reach of children and other obstacles like paper or curtains. Never leave them unattended, and use a torch instead whenever possible.

Step 4: Do not open your freezer.

Never open your freezer unless necessary. This will help protect the food inside and reduce the risk of it spoiling. A fridge may keep food cold for 4 hours, while a freezer may keep food frozen for 24-48 hours if left unopened. (This is a guide only, and we do not guarantee food safety; please make these decisions at your discretion.)

Step 5: Protect yourself during a power outage.

Power outages are unexpected; however, in many cases, they are solved quickly. We understand that they can still be a source of frustration and stress. There are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your family during these unpredictable times:

• Try to keep calm - especially if you have little ones.
• If it is safe, move to another location for heating and cooling.
• If possible, tell your family that you might be unreachable if you can no longer charge devices.
• Disconnect appliances.
• Do not try to inspect or rectify the issue yourself.
• Rely on your local emergency electrician for immediate advice and support.

Step 6: Make sure essential medical equipment has a battery backup.

Power cuts will affect equipment such as stair lifts, bath hoists and adjustable beds. Make sure that any essential medical equipment has a battery backup. You can keep using it, even if the power is out. If you have a stair lift, check if it has a manual release handle. If you have a power cut, you can use this to return the lift to the ground floor.

A qualified individual should regularly inspect and maintain backup power sources and equipment. If you have any concerns, promptly communicate with your medical equipment supplier or healthcare practitioner.  

Power Outage in SA FAQs

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

1. How do I know if there is a power outage in my area?

To find out if there is a power outage in your area, go to the Outage Tracker Map and enter your address in the search bar. The map will show if there is an outage in your area and the number of customers affected. You can also view an interactive map to see if your area is affected by a power outage.

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

If no switches are tripped, but you still don't have power, you may need to replace the circuit breaker or breaker box; this can indicate either faulty wiring or a mechanical fault with the breaker switch.

3. Do I need to flip the breaker after a power outage?

During a power outage, turning off power breakers has been a common practice for homeowners. Nevertheless, constantly toggling the power switch or cycling the on and off state can create an electrical peril or, at the very least, inflict some harm. The best thing to do is to leave it as is during a power outage.

4. How long can a fridge go without power?

It takes about four hours for the fridge to go without power. In the event of a power outage or during an emergency, your refrigerator will maintain food safety for a maximum of four hours. Close the door as much as you can. After 4 hours without power, throw away food that goes bad quickly in the fridge, like chicken, meat, fish, eggs, and leftovers.

Final Thoughts

Power outages in South Australia are often considered more inconvenient than an actual risk to human life. But they can be deadly for some - especially when accompanied by extreme temperatures. Simple steps like organising an emergency stockpile of water, food, medication, and other supplies - and purchasing a reliable backup power source from Jackery - can equip you to endure the power outage with minimal anxiety.