What to do in an outage
We do everything possible to keep the power on but sometimes power outages happen. Find out what to expect during an outage and ways to keep yourself, your family or colleagues safe.
Planned outages are needed so we can upgrade the network or perform planned maintenance
Unless it’s an emergency, we'll let you know at least three days before a planned power interruption.
We’ll be in touch through advertising, individual notices, phone, text, email, SMS or letter with the dates and times which might impact you.
Unexpected or unplanned outages can occur for several reasons including:
- Cyclone or storm season
- Severe weather, high winds and lightning strikes
- Animals, such as birds, impacting power lines
- Vegetation or debris impacting power lines
- Damage to electrical infrastructure from vehicle or machinery accidents
- Vandalism
- Pole top fires Bushfires
Fallen powerlines
If you can see hanging power lines or see or hear something that could help us to identify the problem, such as a loud bang, stay away and call us straight away.Any details you can provide will help our emergency crews restore power safely and as quick as possible.
Dull or flickering lights
If you're experiencing dull or flickering lights, 'brown out', low voltage or partial supply, don’t touch your fuse box or anything metal in your home. If it’s possible to easily access power points, turn off and unplug your appliances.
A shock or tingle when touching appliances
If you experience tingles or shocks from an electrical appliance or water taps, ensure no one touches them and call us immediately. Once you've reported the fault with us - then call your licensed electrical contractor to check your wiring immediately.
Check if other lights or appliances are working
Check your switchboard fuse box to see whether any of your safety switches (known as Residual Current Devices or RCDs for short) have tripped and check your mains switch is in the ON position.
Check if your neighbours have power
Check if there's any lights on or get in touch with them. This will help you to work out if an outage is affecting your property only, or if it’s a wider issue.
Check our outage finder
For any outages in your area. Download the app or check our online tool for updates on the latest planned and unplanned outages and when we expect to restore power.
Turn off your light switches
Just leave one light switch on -so you’ll know when your power has been restored.
Unplug sensitive electrical appliances
Including your TV, gaming consoles, computers, air conditioners, microwaves and reticulation systems. This could help to protect against possible power surges or spikes when power is restored.
Keep your fridge and freezer closed
Your food will stay fresh for several hours without power if your appliance seals are in good order.
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What happens to my solar system during an outage?
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During an outage - a solar system connected to the network is programmed to switch-off to prevent the extra energy being exported to the grid.
This safety measure is to protect both the power lines that can be damaged and workers fixing the lines.
If your system is set up to be off-grid - then you're completely independent from the network and won’t be affected by any power outages.
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What if I'm running a generator?
It's important to:
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for running and earthing your generator
- Always run portable generators outside
- Never use generators inside or in the garage as petrol and diesel-powered generators produce fatal carbon monoxide fumes
- Keep your generator away from open windows to keep dangerous fumes away from your indoor areas
- Plug appliances directly into your generator’s outlet using a Residual Current Device (RCD) and a heavy-duty extension cord rated for outdoor use.
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Will my phone, internet or wifi work without power?
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- Your electronic equipment will need its own separate battery back-up to work. In case of a power outage, It’s a good idea to keep your mobile phone and portable mobile phone charger back up battery fully charged.
- Your modem won’t work without power but you can still access the internet, school or work files via data connection on your mobile phone. Check with your mobile provider about data allowances available.
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What happens to my personal medical alarms in an outage?
Personal medical alarms are connected to the National Broadband Network (NBN) through a phone landline - so these alarms will not work. If you or anyone in your family has a medical alarm, contact the NBN to check if the alarm is registered and ask about a battery backup.
What to do after a power outage
When your power returns after an outage you may need to:
- Reset some equipment and appliances, such as air conditioners or reticulation timers by following your operating instructions.
- Check your solar system is back on if you have solar panels. Not all solar inverters will switch back on automatically after a power outage.
If your outage was planned, and you find that you have partial or no power after the planned times, check your fuse box to make sure safety switches including RCDs (residual current devices) are all in the 'on' position.
Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.