Power Outage in Wodonga: Facts, Power Outage Map, Tips

Wodonga Power Outages Facts 

Wodonga is a small city in the northeast of Victoria, Australia, about 300 kilometres from Melbourne, the capital of Victoria. Wodonga is located on the banks of the Murray River and is a twin city with Albury, a town in New South Wales across the river.

Although the frequency of power outages in Wodonga has been significantly reduced in recent years compared to the past, it is undeniable that we still need to be prepared for power outages to minimise their negative impact on us.

Causes of Power Outages in Wodonga

To deal with a power outage, we first need to know what a power outage is. Unexpected loss of electrical power is referred to as a power outage. Localised power outages:

• Severe weather, heat waves, floods, lightning, or strong winds
• Trees obstructing powerlines
• Wildfires
• Unanticipated technical errors
• Automobile collisions
• Scheduled necessary maintenance

A power outage can also interfere with transportation, water, and communication and close banks, supermarkets, convenience stores, ATMs, and retail establishments. Cause water contamination and food spoiling. 

Wednesday, November 29, 2023, a Wodonga power outage caused by an underground cable break impacted about 4600 consumers. On Monday morning, August 19, 2024, several Wodonga houses were shockingly left without electricity for over three hours.

When there is a power outage, you can check the real-time power outage situation in your area through websites such as Ausgrid, Energex, City Power, etc. Just enter your address or zip code. You can view either map or text versions for a list of outages so that you can cope with power outages better.

Adelaide Power Outage Map

Many utility companies have power outage maps to track the relative updates in real-time. Here, we site the Outage Tracker as an example to explain:

Step 1: Go to the Outage Tracker 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 Power Outages in Wodonga

The power company will send regular SMS or email notifications based on your communications choices during an unanticipated outage. They give details about the reason for your outage and when they might get your electricity restored.

Visit your power company website. There are many different power companies in Wodonga, including Essential Energy, AGL, AusNet Electricity, and more. Go to its website to learn more power outage information.

Call your power distributor number. When you experience a power outage in the Wodonga area, you need to contact your electricity distributor if you want to report a power outage. Your distributor can be located on the Australian Energy Regulator's website. You may also see your A.G.L. energy invoice.

Your distributor and their contact information are provided under 'Faults and Emergencies'. As the Wodonga area is located in Victoria, you can contact the following electricity distributors:

(Data Source: AGL Support)

Check their 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.

How to Prepare for A Power Outage in Wodonga?

Power outages can occur anytime due to various factors, including storms, bushfires, and heavy network demand. Be prepared for any unexpected circumstances. The following are some tips for preparing for a power outage in Wodonga.

Step 1: Check The Electronics  

Of course, different electrical and electronic devices are the first to be affected by a power outage. You can take a few proactive measures to protect your electrical devices and appliances from possible damage caused by blackouts and electrical surges.

• Make sure you have R.C.D. safety switch protection on all circuits.
• Use power boards with built-in surge protection.
• Consider installing surge protection devices in your switchboard.
• Consider whether an Uninterruptible Power Supply (U.P.S.) would benefit you by offering protection and temporary power during outages.

The National Lightning Safety Institute estimates that damage resulting from lightning alone costs Australia's economy $5-6 billion annually. This is one of the leading causes of electrical equipment failure.

Protective devices reduce the amount of surge current flowing in electronics due to electrical surge occurrences, helping maintain the equipment's dependability and operation.

• Charge your mobile devices, laptops and any portable batteries.
• Keep a torch or low-volt portable light and spare batteries.
• If you're home, leave a light to tell you when the power is back on.
• Ensure your alarms and security devices operate correctly without mains power, and notify your security company of the interruption.
• If you have electric garage doors or property gates, ensure your vehicle will be accessible. Check with your company about instructions for manual override.

Step 2: Prepare for Emergency Kit  

Besides, you should create an emergency kit, including flashlights, portable batteries, first-aid supplies, nonperishable food, bottled water, and a battery-operated radio. Ensure you have a supply of essential medications and a manual can opener for food.

Every scheme should begin with a family emergency pack. The package should contain water, nonperishable foods, hand- or solar-powered communication equipment, portable power sources, and a first aid pack. It might also include books, games, puzzles, and other strategies for passing time.

Think also about your situation. Are you alone in your house? Run a modest family? A toddler needs what basic things? Remember the household pet as well. Use the thorough power outage emergency kit checklist to find non-essential and necessary things. 

Also, it would help if you learned how to restore your emergency kit. 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: Use A Home Generator

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 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. 

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus - coupled 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 1264Wh and a power output 2000W. This capacity and output can efficiently power most household appliances during a power outage in Wodonga. 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 4.5 hours with 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.

The following are the working hours of Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus (1.26-5kWh) in a power outage:

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 kWh ensures 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.

The following are the working hours of Solar Generator 2000 Plus (2042.8 Wh - 12 kWh) during a power outage:

Step 4: Know Your Medications

Certain medications necessitate refrigeration (between +2°C and +8°C). These medications include vaccines, insulin, thyroxine tablets, immunotherapies, certain eye drops, specific hormone products, and particular antibiotic formulations for children.

Suppose electricity has been interrupted for an extended duration, compromising the integrity of refrigerated medications. In that case, those medications should be disposed of unless they are critical for health maintenance (e.g., insulin), which should be utilised until a new supply is procured.

Temperature-sensitive medications degrade and lose efficacy if not refrigerated; therefore, they should be promptly replaced with a new supply. 

Moreover, numerous medical devices, such as CPAP machines, home ventilators, and continuous oxygen monitors, require electricity for charging. Consequently, preparing your home medical equipment with a home generator, like Jackery Solar Generator, is imperative to ensure continued treatment during a power outage.

You can also call some significant contact numbers during a power outage if you need medical help.

• Ambulance: 000
• Health Direct: 1800 022 222
• State Emergency Service (SES): 132 500
• Essentials Energy: 13 20 80

Step 5: Pay Attention to Food Safety

In the absence of refrigeration caused by a power outage, certain foods may pose a risk of transmitting foodborne illnesses and become dangerous for consumption. In the event of a power loss, record the timing of the failure and minimise the opening of refrigerator and freezer doors.

Discard any food in your refrigerator or freezer that is not cold to the touch. Avoid sampling questionable food. Ingesting hazardous food can result in severe disease.

What to Do During A Power Outage in Wodonga?

Staying informed is crucial during a power outage. Tune in to a battery-operated radio or check local news websites for updates on the outage and estimated restoration times. You can also contact your electricity distributor for further information and guidance.

During a power outage in Wodonga, prioritising electrical safety should be your priority. When the electricity goes back on, turn off and unplug any electrical appliances and other devices to avoid harm from power surges.

Candles should never be used as a light source since they can pose a significant danger to fire, especially when positioned close to dry grass or combustible items. In addition, here are four suggestions for handling a power outage:

1# Getting Ready for A Blackout

Make a list of all the things you require that require electricity. Make sure you have batteries and other backup power sources, such as a power station or portable charger, in case the electricity goes out. Ensure that each person in the house has a flashlight. Find out how long the battery backup on your home phone will survive and if it will function during a power outage.

2# Understand Your Medical

Discuss a power outage strategy for electrically powered medical equipment and chilled medications with your physician. Learn how long prescriptions may be kept at higher temperatures and receive instructions for any drugs essential to life.

3# Utilising Appliances During Blackouts

Put in centrally located, battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors on each floor of your house. Prevent being poisoned by carbon monoxide. Never heat your home using a gas cooktop or oven. Switch off or unplug any electronics, appliances, or other devices.

When power comes back on, there can be brief spikes or surges that might be harmful. Additionally, if the heat or cold is excessive, move to a community area with power.

4# Food Holding

Stock up on water and nonperishable food. Refrigerators and freezers should remain closed. Food can be refrigerated for approximately four hours. The temperature can be maintained in a full freezer for roughly 48 hours. If needed, use ice-filled coolers. Use a thermometer to keep an eye on temperatures. If the temperature is 40 degrees or above, discard the food.

What to Do After A Power Outage in Wodonga?

When power is restored, it is imperative to undertake preventive measures to guarantee the safety and optimal operation of your electrical devices and appliances.

Before turning on any major appliances, give the electrical system time to stabilise to avoid overloading the system. Gradually turn on appliances and other electrical equipment, starting with essential items and progressing to less critical ones.   

This approach will help prevent power surges that could damage your electrical devices. Inspect your electrical equipment, appliances, and cables for signs of damage caused by the outage or power surges.

Contact a licenced electrician for assistance if you suspect any electrical problems or damage. To guarantee your electrical system's security and optimal operation, they may comprehensively evaluate the circumstances and perform any required repairs or replacements.

Remember to check your safety switches, including circuit breakers and R.C.D.s (Residual Current Devices), to ensure they function correctly. Activate the test button on each safety switch to confirm proper operation and suitable reset functionality. If any safety switch fails to operate as intended, contact a licensed electrician to diagnose and resolve the issue.

Finally, take some time to restock your emergency kit, replacing any items used during the power outage. This will ensure that you are well-prepared for future emergencies. Consider adding items like proper safety containers for storing essential documents, medications, or other valuable items that may be sensitive to power surges or extreme temperatures.

So, after a power outage, you need to:

• Reset the appliances.Follow your operating instructions to check and reset any appliances (such as air conditioners, reticulation, pool pumps, microwaves, etc.) with clocks or timers.
• Examine the metre box in your home. Ensure all safety switches, including R.C.D.s, are in the "on" position in your fuse box. If you have partial or no power or your neighbours have power, you do not.
• Pay attention to safety. Always have a licenced electrician check any appliances or equipment you feel may have been harmed during a power outage. Avoid attempting to fix it yourself.
• Examine your solar energy setup. If you have solar panels, make sure your system is back on. Not every solar inverter will turn itself back on when there is a power interruption.
• Check on your neighbours. Reach out to any neighbours, particularly those vulnerable, to see if they are ok or need assistance.

Power Outages Wodonga FAQs

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

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

To check for a power outage in your area, visit your electricity provider's website or use their mobile app. Most providers have an outage map or a service status page where you can enter your location or view affected areas. Additionally, you can follow your provider on social media for updates or call their customer service hotline.

2. 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.

3. How do I contact AusNet by email?

AusNet Services, the electricity distributor, typically provides contact options through their official website. While email contact methods may vary, you can find a contact form or email address listed under their customer service or contact us section. Alternatively, you can call their customer service number for assistance.

Final Thoughts

Power outages - they always come at the most convenient times. But power outages can be more than an inconvenience - they can disturb your daily life and even result in costly consequences. Replacing the contents of your fridge and freezer is expensive, and we increasingly rely on electronics daily. While it's impossible to entirely prevent power outages in Wodonga, understanding what they are and why they happen can help minimise the impact.