Getting reconnected after severe weather
When restoring power, our top priority is the safety of the public as well as our employees working on powerlines.
Remember, during a storm or cyclone or when the power is out, telephone lines and mobile phone networks may be congested or damaged so please be patient.
What to do if we have disconnected your power
Following a weather event, repairs may be necessary to the electricity network, homes or businesses. The service line that connects power to premises may be disconnected for safety. If this has happened at your premises, follow these steps to have your power reconnected safely and as soon as possible.
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1 You are disconnected for safety
We have inspected and disconnected power to your premises due to storm damage, flooding, or inundation, and left an Electricity Defect Report in your meter box.
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2 Arrange a safety check
You, your building manager/body corporate, or landlord, need to arrange a safety check by a licensed electrical contractor.
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3 Make safe
Your licensed electrical contractor will complete a safety check and fix any defects. They will complete and sign the contractor section of our Electricity Defect Report and leave onsite to confirm your premises is safe for reconnection.
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4 Arrange reconnection
You, your building manager/body corporate, or landlord will need to then contact us to arrange reconnection. Ask your licensed electrical contractor if they will do this on your behalf.
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5 Premises is reconnected
Our crew will attend and confirm the defects have been rectified and reconnect your premises to the electricity network. You’ll have power as soon as the network has been safely reenergised.
Getting reconnected after severe weather
Skip to descriptionAfter severe weather, and once it is safe, we will inspect damage to the electricity network and the service line that connects power to your property.
- Disconnected for safety
We may need to disconnect your property for safety due to damage. If this happens, we will leave an Electricity Defect Report in your meter box.
You don’t need to wait for an Electricity Defect Report if you know your electrical fittings or wiring have been damaged, flooded or inundated.
- Arrange a safety check
You, your building manager, body corporate, or landlord, will need to arrange a safety check by a licensed electrical contractor.
- Make safe
Your licensed electrical contractor will complete a safety check, fix any defects, and complete and sign the Electricity Defect Report left by us. Or they will leave a Certificate of Test and Compliance where an Electricity Defect Report has not been issued. The form is to be left in the meter box for us to confirm your property is safe for reconnection.
- Arrange reconnection
Then, contact us to arrange reconnection or ask your licensed electrical contractor if they will do this on your behalf.
- Reconnected
We will attend and confirm the defects have been rectified and reconnect your property to the electricity network. You’ll have power as soon as the electricity network has been safely reenergised.
Cyclones, storms, floods and other severe weather events may cause significant damage to your property requiring us to disconnect for safety. It’s important you know how to get reconnected safely.
Finding an electrician
Find a licenced electrical contractor online, through your local telephone directory or call the Master Electricians Australia (MEA) on 1300 889 198 or the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) on 1300 361 099.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions and answers we receive from customers after major weather events.
If electrical fittings have been inundated or damaged by flood water, you will need a licensed electrical contractor to conduct a safety check.
No. If you know your electrical fittings have been inundated or damaged by flood water, contact a licensed electrical contractor to arrange a safety check immediately.
Power is restored to our network of transmission lines, distribution powerlines, substations, neighbourhood transformers, and service wires to customers in order of priority. Our focus is on first restoring power to public health and community facilities and to the greatest number of customers as quickly as possible. Read more about how we restore power to the network.