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Electrical emergencies

Electricity can kill in an instant. If lives are in danger, call 000.

Reporting fallen powerlines

Call your electricity supply company on the numbers listed below, and the Police, to report the location of any fallen powerlines.

Electricity supply companies

Keep away from fallen powerlines

Standing near fallen powerlines can be fatal.
Stay well clear – more than 8-10 metres away.

Always treat fallen powerlines as live even when they are broken. Never go near them or anything they may be touching, such as vehicles, metal fences or pools of water.

Reporting a power outage

Call your electricity supply company to let them know your power is out. For outage details, check their website/app.

Storms are the most common cause of power outages as strong winds often cause trees to fall across powerlines, interrupting supply.

Always be prepared for power outages with a torch, charged mobile phone and battery-operated radio. If you use electricity to run a water pump, make sure you have an alternative source for fresh water or a non-electric pump available.

In the event of a power failure turn off and unplug all electrical appliances at the powerpoint. This will help to prevent equipment damage in the event of a power surge.

For more information, read our Guide to power outages brochure:

Reporting electrical incidents

For information about reporting electrical, gas and pipeline incidents, visit our report an incident page.

Household electrical issues

NEVER do your own electrical work – see our DDIY (Don’t Do It Yourself) campaign.

Contact a registered electrical contractor in your local area and arrange for a licensed electrician to visit. Ensure they are licensed and insist on a Certificate of Electrical Safety when the job is completed.

Electricity safety during floods

Energy Safe Victoria has prepared a guide covering electricity, gas, and LPG cylinder safety for people affected by floods – access the guide and PDFs here.

Date: 19/03/2024 1:57

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The currency and accuracy of this document cannot be guaranteed once printed or saved to a storage device. If in doubt, please check the ESV website for the current version.

Reviewed 29 January 2023

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