There are many myths surrounding what you should and shouldn’t do during a power outage.
Here, we look at those myths and reveal the facts you need to know.
Did you know that in the last 5 years, there have been 366 Bat-related outages across the Horizon Power Network?
Yes, you read that right! While we can't blame Gotham City's caped crusader for these outages, our friendly neighbourhood bats have certainly taken a liking to our power lines. They must be practicing their acrobatics up there! So, whether it's a storm, equipment failure, or a curious bat, it's always good to be prepared for the unexpected when it comes to power outages.
Fact: Unless it’s an emergency, we'll do our best to let you know at least three days before any planned power interruptions in your area. Before a planned power outage, you can prepare
Adjust your fridge and freezer to the coldest setting to prepare for the outage. Try to keep the doors closed as much as possible when the power is off. Visit the HealthyWA website for tips on reducing the risk of food-related illness during power outages.
If you have an air-conditioner, cool your home or just the rooms you are using to a comfortable temperature if a power outage is planned. Then prevent heat entering by closing doors and windows and keeping them shut.
Switch off and unplug any sensitive electronic appliances or equipment prior to the outage/before the power comes back on. Install surge protection devices to protect your equipment against possible power surges or spikes when power is restored.
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 telecommunication provider about data allowances available.
Alarm systems, lifts and escalators may not operate during the power outage so you may need to arrange a back-up battery. If you have automatic garage doors or security gates, know how to operate these systems manually or consider leaving your car parked outside.
Download the app so you have it handy if the power goes out. You can easily stay informed of any planned and unplanned outages in your area and find out when we expect to restore power.
Fact: During a power outage, safety should be the most important priority. You may want to unplug your appliances and turn off lights to prevent electrical surges when your power is restored.
If you see or hear something that could help us to identify the problem (like a hanging power line or loud bang) stay away and call us immediately. Any details you can provide will help our emergency crews safely restore power as quickly as possible.
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.
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, call a licensed electrical contractor to check your wiring immediately.
Turning off the lights and lamps in your home will reduce the risk of damage from possible power fluctuations. Just leave one light switch on, so you’ll know when power is restored.
Power fluctuations may occur when the power comes back on, so it’s a good idea to unplug sensitive appliances such as computers, TVs, game consoles, air-conditioners, heaters, microwaves and reticulation systems to reduce the risk of damage.
If you can, keep your fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Your food will stay fresh for several hours without power if your appliance seals are in good order.
Fact: When your power goes out, your first instinct is to check outside and see if your neighbour's lights are on. You might think that if their power is on, yours should be too. The way energy works is a bit more complex.
Ever wonder why your neighbour’s lights are still on when yours have gone out? Well, there are several reasons for it. You see, our electrical grid is a complex system, and your place might be hooked up through a completely different path than your neighbour’s. So, even if they have power, yours could be taking a different route.
And here's the thing: sometimes, the lights-out situation is due to everyday issues like a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker on your property. These little hiccups can leave you in the dark while your neighbours have their lights on.
So, if your power's out,
Safety is our top concern, and we're here around the clock, 24/7, to help keep your electricity reliable. We're just a call away, anytime you need a hand! Call 13 23 51
Fact: A generator can provide backup power during an outage – but it's important to use it safely and correctly.
You’ll need to make sure your generator has fuel to operate, the right rating for the amount of power you need, and never use it indoors or in an enclosed space, as this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you're in an area that is typically impacted by seasonal outages due to extreme weather, you should plan ahead by ensuring your generator is serviced and maintained and has fuel safely stored to operate and Always Make sure you follow all manufacturer's instructions.
Fact: In some areas, your water supply might need electricity to operate.
It’s generally a good idea to keep some bottled water at home in case of either planned power interruptions or unplanned power outages.
As much as possible, try to avoid using your plumbing during a power outage, as this could cause sewer/septic backups and other issues when your power is restored.
Fact: Candles might seem like a good source of light during a power outage, but they could start a fire if left unattended.
Some candles can also produce harmful fumes when burned for an extended period, which can be detrimental to indoor air quality and health.
To ensure the safety of your home and loved ones during power outages, it is safer to opt for alternative lighting sources such as torches, solar-powered lanterns, or battery-powered lanterns. These alternatives not only eliminate the fire hazard associated with candles but also offer a more reliable way to illuminate your surroundings.
Fact: Severe weather such as storms can cause unplanned power outages – but there are many other causes too.
Unplanned power outages can also be caused by equipment or pole failure, vehicle accidents and other factors.
Planned power outages occur because of scheduled maintenance we need to do to keep the 56,204 distribution poles and 8,404 km of overhead and underground transmission and distribution lines in good safe working conditions.
It's important to be prepared for a power outage at any time, not just during storm season.
Fact: After a power outage, you might need to:
Any of your appliances with timers or clocks might need to be reset. Check your air conditioner, reticulation, pool pump, microwave and other appliances and follow the operating instructions.
If you have partial or no power, or your neighbours have power, and you don’t then check your fuse box to make sure safety switches including RCDs are all in the 'on' position.
If you think something has been damaged during a power outage at your property, don’t try to fix it yourself. Call a licensed electrician to check for you.
If you have solar, check that it switches back on after the power outage. Not all solar inverters will switch back on automatically.
Remember, even during a power outage, always stay away from fallen powerlines. stay at least 10 metres away and call our Horizon Power team on 13 23 51. In a life-threatening situation, call emergency services.
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.