Guide to Power Outage in Tasmania with Preparations & Strategies

Understanding Power Outages in Tasmania

Tasmania is subject to occasional power outages, which can negatively impact businesses and cause disruptions to daily activities. Fortunately, Tasmanians can now track these disruptions in real-time, better understand their causes, and plan for them using the most recent outage map tracker.

As for the planned power outages, you can keep track of Tasmania's energy company, TasNetworks. You sometimes need to turn off the power to maintain and improve your equipment. This is done so that people in Tasmania can safely work on poles and wires.

If it's not an emergency, you will be given at least four business days' written notice of the outage. Call the 24-hour call centre at 132 004 to learn about current outages.

Natural disasters and accidents also cause some power outages:

• Storms
• Falling trees and branches
• Birds or animals in power lines
• Lightning strikes
• Hurricane
• Motor accidents
• Equipment failure

You can help the energy company find problems by telling them if a power outage is happening at your house or if it's happening all over. If your power goes out, please call the 24-hour call centre at 132 004.

How to Report Power Outage in Tasmania

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

Step 1: Open the TasNetworks website and find the current power outage map to check why your power goes.

Step 2: Please type in the affected area and report the power outage. After you send the TasNetworks 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: Call 132 004 right away if you need to report shocks or low or downed powerlines or if you have life support equipment.

In Tasmania, you should report a power loss to your power company immediately. Depending on your power provider, you can report the outage in person, over the phone, or online. After receiving your report, the electricity company will investigate the blackout and identify its cause.

The power company will often provide information on the anticipated time for power restoration once the source of the outage has been identified. Additionally, you can contact the power company directly or check the progress of the outage online.

Typically, the power company maintains an online dashboard with real-time updates on the status of the power restoration. Usually, the approximate number of impacted customers, the anticipated time for power restoration, and the projected cost of repairs are displayed on the dashboard.  

Please use the number provided on the Energy Tasmania website, to contact your local energy distributor if you've lost power or wish to report fallen powerlines or a power outage in Tasmania. Additionally, TasNetworks' emergency number (132 004) is open around the clock.

How Do You Prepare for A Power Outage in Tasmania?

Power blackouts can happen because of storms, floods, bushfires, and other bad weather. When the power goes out, don't be caught off guard. Be ready by being organised.  

A short power outage is usually just a slight annoyance, but those that last long can end your life and even put people in danger. For some, not having power for vital medical devices or refrigeration for long periods can be life-threatening. The following are tips for preparing for power outages in Tasmania.

• You can take steps to protect yourself and lessen the possibility that an outage would negatively impact your equipment during a scheduled outage. This entails creating a power outage action plan, which you should discuss with your healthcare provider and may involve moving to a different area while the power is off.
• During the interruption, avoid performing any personal electrical work. Ensure that our authorised service professionals always have safe and unobstructed access to your metre box.
• A switchboard with a lockout device or warning tag should never be tampered with. You can be endangering both your belongings and yourself.
• We may have to enter your premises to test the safety of your switchboard.
• It is a good idea to ensure your solar system is turned back on if you have solar panels because not all solar inverters will turn back on on their own when the power supply is interrupted.
• Your action plan for Life Support.
• Have extra batteries and a torch close at hand.

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 TasNetworks 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: Practice The Plan  

It would be best to review your safety plan with your family so that everyone knows what to do in case of an outage. By practising beforehand, you can avoid feeling panicked and feel calm as you know exactly what to do during a blackout.

Step 3: Prepare for Important Items  

Put together a first aid kit, flashlights, batteries, candles, nonperishable 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.

Step 4: Keep A Backup Generator

Save energy and resources during power outages to make batteries last longer and keep essential services running smoothly. To save energy and avoid power surges when the power comes back on, turn off and disconnect any electrical tools and devices that aren't needed; instead of candles, which could catch fire, use battery-powered lanterns or LED flashlights to light the way.

Cut down on using portable heaters and air fans to save money on fuel and battery power. Instead, focus on essential tasks like cooking, heating, and talking to people.   

Buy backup power sources like the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus or 1000 Pro 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.

A portable solar generator is essential to a disaster plan because it ensures that necessary electronics like medical devices, communication devices, and lighting systems always have power, even if it goes out for a long time.

Step 5: Ensure Home Safety

Install surge protectors to protect delicate electronic equipment from power surges when the electricity is back on. Ensure the stability of large and heavy furniture and objects that have the potential to fall over during an earthquake or any other type of natural disaster. Learn the locations of your main gas and water shutoff valves and your circuit breaker.

Taking the precautions listed here, ensure your home is secure and comfortable during a power outage in Tasmania. Recall that you may have the peace of mind you require during power outages with a dependable backup power option like Jackery Solar Generator.  

Step 6: 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 TasNetworks 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.

Jackery Solar Generators for Power Outages in Tasmania

The Jackery Solar Generator can be used as a backup power source if there is a power outage in Tasmania, 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 Pro 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 Pro has a 1002Wh battery, which can power 93% of your household appliances. Besides, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus has a battery that can be expanded from 2 kWh to 12 kWh, enough to power 99% of your machines. For this reason, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro 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 Pro

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro combines SolarSaga 80W solar PV panels with the Explorer 1000 Pro power station. It is a remarkably quiet generator, with noise levels as low as 46 dB. It has a lifespan of over ten years and can be fully recharged in just 1.8 hours. This device's dual 100W PD design provides a consistent and reliable power supply, ensuring that all necessary appliances remain operational during a power loss.  

The Explorer 1000 Pro power station is a rechargeable device with a capacity of 1002Wh. This allows it to power various appliances, including a television, CPAP machine, E-bike, refrigerator, and other devices, covering around 93% of commonly used equipment.

In addition, it is equipped with two 100W PD connectors and two USB-C ports, ensuring reliable and fast charging for various devices such as smartphones, cameras, and more. The MPPT solar charge technology guarantees an efficiency of 99%. Furthermore, this system supports recharging techniques through walls, vehicles, and solar recharge.    

What to Do During A Power Outage in Tasmania?

You can take a few precautions to lessen the chance of danger and property damage if a blackout occurs in your region. Be careful not to investigate any fallen trees or broken power lines that may be the source of darkness. Be cautious not to touch broken electricity wires since they may still be alive even though they are on the ground.

Call your neighbourhood energy provider as soon as possible to discover what caused the blackout and minimise potential risks. If you think you are in imminent danger, contact the emergency services.

Remove any malfunctioning lightbulbs or appliances to see if you can find the source of the outage if you believe it is limited to your building. Checking whether your RCD (safety switch) has been turned to the off position is a simple way to verify this.

Ask one of the professionals to visit your facility with their mobile test and tag equipment if your RCD has tripped so they can identify the issue's origin.

• You can use various methods to safeguard yourself in Tasmania during a power outage. And every day, electricity makes our lives more enjoyable. Here are some tips for protecting your neighbourhood and the people there.
• Ensure all your appliances' filters separate water and electricity.
• Hire reputed appliance brands that are approved for sale in Australia. Replace frayed or damaged electrical cables. Never leave hot appliances unattended. Never overload power boards with more appliances than power outlets. Always hire a licenced electrical contractor.

Everything is powered by electricity, including electronics and lighting. However, if we're careful, it could also be beneficial. It's critical to understand safety precautions when using switches and power outlets.

If you see any of the following danger indicators, call TasNetworks at 132 004:

• You experience tingles from taps or metal fittings.
• Power tools or appliances can cause electric shocks.
• The brightness of lights can vary;
• Switches or power outlets can make loud noises or spark;
• Electrical appliances can operate slowly.

When should I call an electrician if I have concerns about your home's earth wire, such as whether it has been disturbed or if I notice any damaged or broken bare copper wires or green insulated wires around your property? If electricity outlets or light fixtures are damaged, fuses blow regularly, or circuit breakers trip.

You must contact your local gas or electricity distributor if there is a natural gas or electrical fault or failure or if your power has gone out. Your distributor handles your property's energy supply. They are in charge of maintaining and operating the connections, gas pipelines, poles, and wires.

Additionally, it would help to unplug electrical appliances during a power outage to prevent short circuits when the power is restored. Aim to avoid opening your refrigerator or freezer. Frozen food can be retained for up to 24 hours if the freezer door is closed. Refrigerators can hold food for up to ten hours.

• Exercise extra caution when using a generator.
• If you want to power appliances directly, use generators.
• The output should not be connected to the wiring or switchboard of the home. This may put our employees' safety in jeopardy.
• Keep one light switch lit to tell when the power is back on.
• Notify your home security provider of the outage if you have one to ensure that your alarms continue functioning correctly even in the absence of electricity.

Power Outage in Tasmania FAQs

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

1. How do I check for a power cut in my area?

To check for a power outage in your area, visit your local utility company's website or contact their customer service hotline. Many utility companies also have online outage maps or mobile apps that provide real-time information about power outages and estimated restoration times.

2. Why has the power gone off?

Various reasons can cause a power outage, such as severe weather conditions such as storms or high winds, equipment failures, maintenance work, or accidents such as vehicle collisions with utility poles. Sometimes, the utility company may intentionally shut off power to prevent wildfires or other safety hazards during extreme weather events.

3. Why did the power suddenly turn off?

The sudden loss of power can be caused by a fault in the electrical system, such as a blown fuse, tripped circuit breaker, or damaged power line. It could also be due to external factors like a tree branch falling on power lines or a vehicle colliding with utility infrastructure. In any case, following safety protocols and reporting the outage to your utility provider is essential.

4. How do I report a power outage in Tasmania?

To report a power outage in Tasmania, you can contact TasNetworks, the state's primary electricity distributor, by phone at 132 004. You can also report outages online through the TasNetworks website or mobile app. Provide as much information as possible, including your location and any observed hazards, to help expedite restoration.

Final Thoughts

Power outages in Tasmania can happen at any time and often without notice. You should always be ready for the power loss, no matter what caused it. Making an emergency plan and packing for essentials are vital steps for preparing for power outages. You can also help stop future power outages by ensuring you can store and use energy, like a portable power station or solar generator from Jackery.