Australia Power Outage: How to Prepare, What to Do in A Power Outage?

Australia Power Outage: How to Prepare & What to Do in A Power Outage?

A summer in Australia typically consists of sun, dunes, and water. In recent years, however, it has also come to signify heated debates about electricity and the impending threat of power outages in Australia. This is undoubtedly the case in light of the market operator's most recent 10-year forecast, which foresees potential difficulties as early as the summer holiday.

Australia is not unfamiliar with intermittent power outages. They are occurring more frequently these days. The frequency of power outages has increased in recent times. Although brief episodes of power loss are typically only a minor inconvenience, extended power outages can substantially disrupt individuals' daily routines and potentially jeopardize their well-being.

It pays to be prepared for the potential hazards when the power goes out. In this guide, you will learn everything there is to know about power outage in Australia, including what it is, its causes, how to prepare and what to do during a power outage, and the best backup power supply for your home or business. We highly recommend Jackery Solar Generators, comprised of Jackery Solar Panels and Portable Power Stations, to provide consistent and reliable solar energy.

Key Takeaways:

A power outage is a loss of access to electricity. Typically, power disruptions occur when the grid is compromised.
Severe weather, such as storms and heavy winds, is Australia's leading cause of power outages. Other causes include animals, damaged equipment, and wildfires.
There are four power outages: blackout, brownout, rolling blackout, and permanent fault.
You need three steps to prepare for a power outage: firstly, prepare an emergency supply kit, then make an emergency plan and practice, and last but not least, charge your essentials forehead.
What to do during a power outage? First, you need to locate the source of the problem, then contact a professional electrician, and switch off all your appliances, and the most crucial thing is preparedness, after all.
We highly recommend Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro and 1000 Pro to power your home during a power outage.

What Is A Power Outage in Australia?

A power outage is a loss of access to electricity. Typically, power disruptions occur when the grid, which is the network that supplies electricity to most homes and businesses, is compromised. Since the root of the problem is frequently a primary power source, blackouts often affect more than one building.

If the electricity provider's infrastructure, as opposed to a specific building, was damaged, it could take employees some time to restore power as they work to resolve the problem.

Typically, power outages affecting a single residence or building indicate a problem with the circuit breaker, electrical wiring, or another issue unique to that location.

A severe weather event that causes an entire state to lose power may be unprecedented in Australia. Still, there have been severe weather-related outages affecting hundreds of thousands of people in Australia in the past, including:

In 2011, over of residential properties, over 200,000 in Victoria, had power outages due to severe weather conditions. In 2015, a significant number of 200,000 companies and families in New South Wales (NSW) experienced prolonged power outages lasting up to one week. And in 2017, a considerable number of properties, up to 100,000, experienced power outages due to Cyclone Debbie.

An increase in extreme weather events such as storms, bushfires, and heat waves seriously affect power outages in Australia.

What Causes Power Outage in Australia?

Severe weather, such as storms and heavy winds, is Australia's leading cause of power outages. Other causes include animals, damaged equipment, and wildfires.

Damaged Infrastructure: If the infrastructure that supplies electricity to your residence sustains damage due to a fallen tree or a vehicle collision, this can also result in an outage. The damage may have been caused by a storm, severe weather, or wear and strain over time.

Severe Weather: This is the leading cause of power outages in Australia. Storms can cause power outages by causing damage to power lines and equipment. High winds can also cause trees to crash into power lines, resulting in a blackout.

Bush Fires: A bushfire is a particularly hazardous, rapid-spreading, and difficult-to-contain blaze. If they damage power lines or equipment, bushfires may also cause outages.

Equipment Fail: Another typical source of blackouts is faulty equipment. An outage might occur if there is a problem with the energy network or the equipment that distributes power to your home. Our electricity problem in Australia has primarily contributed to the rise in blackouts.

Natural Disasters: Catastrophic damage caused by natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, and mudslides can result in widespread and long-lasting power outages. Wildfires have regrettably become a recurrent cause of planned power outages in recent years, particularly in the western states of the United States. Wildfires are frequently sparked by defective wiring or downed power lines, as opposed to high winds, which are the usual cause.

Animals: Squirrels nibble on almost everything to grind down their ever-growing teeth. Their gnashing occasionally includes electrical equipment, but they commonly become entangled amongst equipment after following an enticing-looking nut, resulting in power outages. Because power lines and poles become an extension of their natural environment, mounting a utility pole to gain easy access to a roof is the same as climbing a tree.

What Are The Types of Power Outages in Australia?

There are several sorts of power outages in Australia that you should be aware of to guarantee your safety. Each is the outcome of a separate issue and produces varied results that may be easier or more difficult to solve.

Blackout: A blackout is a complete absence of power. There will be a total blackout and a complete shutdown of all electrical systems. Blackouts can last a few minutes, several hours, or even several days. Typically, severe weather or problems with the electricity infrastructure cause blackouts. Severe weather can cause difficult-to-repair structural damage to electrical generation facilities. Some disruptions may last weeks in the worst-case scenario.

Brownout: A brownout is a transient voltage reduction in the electricity supply. Brownouts can reduce the brightness of the lighting and render certain electrical appliances inoperable.

Brownouts typically last a few minutes to several hours. Brownouts are often caused by increased energy consumption, such as during a heatwave when people rely more on air cooling.

Rolling Blackout: When power is briefly interrupted in a particular region, it is restored and cut again in another area. Utility authorities purposefully create rolling blackouts to avoid a total shutdown of the energy grid. Rolling blackouts occur when there is insufficient electricity to meet demand.

Permanent Fault: When power is consistently cut off in one location, we call that a permanent fault. Permanent faults may be caused by infrastructure damage, typically falling or faulty power lines. Naturally, permanent faults occur after a significant storm or other severe weather event. Despite their ominous moniker, permanent defects are typically easy to fix, as the damaged equipment only needs to be replaced.

How to Prepare for Power Outages in Australia?

Everyone must be prepared for a power disruption, but those who rely on electricity for medical purposes or have young children at home must be especially prepared. Listed below are a few tips for preparing for a power outage in Australia, regardless of the devices you need to keep running:

Step 1: Prepare An Emergency Supply Kit

Reading about power outages and fires in the news can make us wonder how to prepare for an emergency. One of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family is to be ready for an emergency. Make sure your emergency supply bag contains the following items:

Emergency Supply Kit

Face masks

Coverings

Non-perished food

3 Gallons of water per person

Medicines

First aid kit

Clothing

Glasses

Extra set of keys

Car keys

Credit cards

Cash

Flashlight

Solar Generator

Sanitation

Important documents

Pet food

A portable solar generator gives homeowners and businesses much-needed peace of mind during power outages. When the power grid fails, a portable generator will power the essentials but only part of the home. The other significant option is a generator that can power your entire home or building.

Jackery Solar Generators are your home's best backup power supply because they only take up a little space and operate on free, unlimited solar energy. With capacities ranging from 240Wh to 2160Wh, you can choose as per your power needs and the duration of power outages in Australia.

Jackery solar generator for power outages

Step 2: Make An Emergency Plan

Making an emergency plan is the first step in planning for a power outage. It should include a checklist of tasks, relevant information, and directions. Include the following in your emergency plan:

A set of directives outlining the necessary actions during an outage;

An inventory of essential items to procure for an outage, including a flashlight, batteries, and a first-aid kit;

A roster of emergency contact numbers encompassing your electricity provider, the fire department, and the local hospital;

The detailed instructions on how to reach the nearest emergency shelter.

Keep a copy of this emergency plan in a safe place to immediately access it if needed. Sign up for the national Emergency Alert system to receive alerts and essential notifications. To get emergency alerts, ensure your message inbox isn't complete and your phone isn't turned off during a power outage.

After you've prepared an emergency plan, practice it with your family so that everyone knows what to do during a power outage. Preparing reduces worry and provides relief by knowing what to do during a blackout.

Step 3: Charge Your Essentials

Ensure that your devices are entirely charged before a blackout. In a power disruption, critical devices include your cell phone, laptop, and any other devices you may require.

Those who rely on electricity for medical apparatus, such as an oxygen concentrator or a CPAP machine, should investigate alternative energy sources, such as portable power stations or generators. As stated, Jackery Solar Generators are ideal for charging various devices, including your CPAP machine, phone, radio, and more.

What Should You Do During A Power Outage?

You watch your favorite television program or prepare a snack after work when the power goes out. There is never a suitable time for a power outage, but if you continue reading, you can minimize the inconvenience.

Planned outages are scheduled outages required for network maintenance and upgrades to ensure the system continues to operate as reliably and securely as feasible. Your Network Service Provider will notify you in advance of a planned power interruption in your area, and the estimated time of power restoration will be known.

Unplanned power outages can occur without warning from time to time. Various factors, including storm-damaged trees or an unexpected problem with equipment, can cause an unforeseen power outage. The procedures to take during a power outage in Australia are as follows:

Step 1: Locate The Problem Source

There are several reasons why the electricity in your home could go out, so the first thing you should do in the event of an outage is to determine if the problem is within your house; for example, a faulty appliance or broken light bulb could have blown a fuse or shut off the supply.

Check your breaker switches or fuses to determine if there is a problem with your wiring or an appliance. If the trip switch is in the 'off' position or the fuses have exploded, you likely have a faulty appliance or wiring issues. If you need more confidence in resolving the problem, consider hiring an electrician. If this is not the case and your neighbors are also experiencing a power outage, you must secure your home for the extent of the blackout.

Step 2: Contact A Power Distributor

Most local power outages are soon rectified, but if you find yourself in the dark and it's safe to do so, check to see if other houses in your neighborhood still have power. If they do, you might be the only one without power. Check to see if the mains switch in your fuse box is turned off. Restarting it may resolve the issue.

Contact a licensed electrician if you suspect you have any electrical faults or problems with an appliance. Never attempt to repair an electrical problem on your own. Various firms distribute power to multiple regions throughout Australia. They are your first point of contact if there is a power outage in your neighborhood.

Distributors

Contact Details

131 388

131 093

131 003

132 080

*Data Source:AGL Electricity

Unplanned power outages can occur unexpectedly and without warning. If you have an electrical emergency or fault in the ACT, call 131 093. Be patient in these situations because unforeseen disruptions may take several hours to resolve.

Step 3: Switch Off All Your Appliances

During a power outage in Australia, you should turn off all appliances but leave one light on to determine when the power returns. While most of your devices will function generally without power, your refrigerator and freezer may begin to defrost, so keeping the doors closed for as long as possible is essential.

When the electricity is restored, ensure that no frozen or refrigerated food has defrosted or ruined. It is critical to verify that all electric heaters and cooking equipment are turned off and free of any debris that could cause a fire, such as tea towels or kitchen paper.

Step 4: Preparedness Is Everything

You may have taken measures to make your home more energy efficient, but have you considered how your family would survive if the power went out?

You must ensure you have alternative heat and light sources, including torches with fresh batteries, candles and matches, battery-operated heaters, and portable gas stoves. However, be especially cautious with open flames in the home; position them on a fireproof surface away from drapes and flammable objects, and never leave them unattended.

Jackery Solar Generators: Backup Power Supply

You know those small chargers you can buy to boost your phone when you're on the go? Jackery has expanded on the principle to develop a portable, rechargeable, solar-powered generator. Inside is a pure sine wave inverter and a rechargeable lithium battery that transforms DC from the battery to AC to power your electronics during a power outage in Australia.

Each Jackery Portable Power Station has a brilliant LED light and SOS mode. This built-in illumination is helpful during a blackout. The SOS mode flashes in the conventional pattern of three short, three long, and three short pulses to alert others of your distress. It is an excellent addition to your emergency supply kit.

The Jackery Solar Generators are built and designed to emphasize ease of use. The only requirement is connecting the Jackery Solar Panels to the Portable Power Stations. When exposed to sunlight, solar panels produce power.

The solar charging line enables the transmission of electrical energy to the Portable Power Stations, which is converted into a form capable of powering various devices. This location will retain the excess electricity produced.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro

With a capacity of 2,160 Wh, rated power of 2,200 watts, and peak power of 4,400 watts, the Solar Generator 2000 Pro provides Jackery with the quickest solar recharging. Most home emergency appliances and instruments are powered, including the lighting, refrigerator, and air conditioner. For instance, it can operate a 500W refrigerator for 3.5 hours and a 200W CPAP machine for 8.6 hours.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro

View Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro👉

In two hours, the Explorer 2000 Pro power station can be charged entirely via an AC wall outlet. Additionally, it can be charged via vehicle port. This exceptional charging experience allows you to recharge while off the grid quickly. This enables you to set your power station while keeping your essential devices plugged in, allowing you to charge quickly and conveniently on the go.

Safety and dependability should always come first; the Solar Generator 2000 Pro is no exception. The superior lithium battery contains two chips for dual protection and four temperature core detectors to ensure an ideal equilibrium between safe and dependable charging.

Capacity

Recharging

Output Ports

Working Hours

2160Wh

Solar Charging: 5.5H

AC Charging: 2H

12V Car Charging: 24H

2*AC Output: 230V, 2200W, peak 4400W; 2*USB-A: Quick Charge 3.0x2, 18W Max; 2*USB-C: 100W Max, (5V, 12V, 9V, 15V, 20V up to 5A); 1*Carport: 12V⎓10A

Phone(25W): 64.2H

Fridge(500W): 3.5H

Light Bulb(100W): 17.3H

Flashlight(60W): 28.8H

CPAP(200W): 8.6H

Laptop(100W): 17.3H

Water Pump(300W): 5.8H

Radio(60W): 17.3H

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro has a 1002Wh capacity and a 1000W output. It supports 1,000 charge cycles and requires 1.8 hours for a complete wall charge. Adding 2* 80W solar panels increases the power generation efficiency by 25%. It is a cost-effective option.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro

View Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro👉

2 USB-C connectors and 2 100W PD ports provide essential device power. Multiple ports are featured, including 2* 1000W AC output ports, 2* USB A ports, and a DC vehicle port—ten years with one usage per week. The battery's low self-discharge rate enables it to last 365 days at 80% capacity, making it an ideal companion for power outages in Australia. For example, you could power a 100W light bulb for 8 hours or a 25W phone for 32.1 hours.

The foldable handle is designed for transport and storage convenience. With a lengthy lifespan of 1,000 charge cycles and a lightweight design, this compact power supply can be placed anywhere in the home. The pure sine wave inverter empowers your equipment with stable power. This product has an incorporated battery management system (BMS) to monitor and protect battery life—the LED light with three modes of brightness aids to meet your outdoor needs.

Capacity

Recharging

Output Ports

Working Hours

1002Wh

Solar Charging: 9H

AC Charging: 1.8H

12V Car Charging: 12H

2*AC Output: 230V, 1000W, peak 2000W; 2*USB-A: Quick Charge 3.0x2, 18W Max; 2*USB-C: 100W Max, (5V, 9V, 15V, 12V, 20V up to 5A); 1*Carport: 12V⎓10A

Phone(25W): 32.1H

Fridge(500W): 1.6H

Light Bulb(100W): 8H

Flashlight(60W): 13.4H

CPAP(200W): 4H

Laptop(100W): 8H

Water Pump(300W): 2.7H

Radio(60W): 13.4H

How to Prevent Power Outages in The Future?

While it is beyond our reach to manipulate weather patterns or influence the actions of electric providers in response to particular circumstances, some measures can be collectively adopted to prevent power outages in Australia.

Microgrid: A microgrid is a small, autonomous local energy infrastructure. Microgrids can assist in mitigating the severity and duration of power outages by continuing to supply electricity even when the main grid is down.

Grid Resilience: Electric companies can take several measures to make the electricity grid more resilient. One potential approach to enhance the resilience of power lines and substations against extreme weather conditions involves implementing several measures. These measures include the replacement of wooden poles with steel poles, installing sensors to identify and address potential difficulties at an early stage, and cutting trees close to power lines.

Power Generation: Energy storage is an alternative means of providing reserve power during a blackout. The grid's electricity can be stored in batteries or mobile power stations. Fuel cells can generate electricity without utility by converting natural gas into electrical energy.

Rooftop solar array systems can be advantageous for day-to-day use but are useless during a blackout if they rely on the utility. Solar generators, such as Jackery Solar Generators, are the best method to prevent power outages in Australia due to their portability, ease of use, and resistance to all weather conditions.

Final Thoughts

In Australia, power disruptions are relatively common, so preparation is essential. They can occur at any time, frequently without notice. You should always be prepared for a power outage in Australia, regardless of the cause. This page shows you how to prepare for, prevent, and handle a power disruption. Jackery Solar Generators are your home's finest backup power source in a power outage.