Ergon Energy Outages in QLD: Causes, Alerts & Safety Tips
If you live in regional Queensland, you know how unpredictable the weather can beâespecially after events like Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Wild storms, fallen trees, or planned maintenance can leave you without power, sometimes when you least expect it.
Thatâs where staying on top of Ergon Energy outages becomes essential. In this guide, weâll walk you through how to check for outages in your area, get notified when the powerâs going out (or coming back), and how to stay safe and preparedâjust in case the next storm rolls in sooner than youâd like.
What Causes Ergon Energy Outages?
An Ergon energy power outage can happen for a number of reasons, both planned and unexpected. Hereâre the most common causes:
Severe Weather
Queenslandâs weather can be wild, and storms are one of the biggest culprits behind unexpected outages. Strong winds, lightning, heavy rain, and cyclones (like the recent Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred) can damage powerlines, poles, and other parts of the electricity network, leading to widespread disruptionsâespecially in regional and remote areas.
Planned Maintenance
Not all outages are caused by emergencies. Sometimes, Ergon schedules planned outages to carry out essential maintenance or upgrades to the network. These are usually done during the day and come with advance notice, so crews can safely work on equipment and improve reliability in the long run.
Equipment Failure
Like any infrastructure, electrical equipment can wear out or break down over time. Transformers, switches, or other components might fail unexpectedly, causing localised outages until repairs are completed.
Accidents and Interference
Occasionally, damage to the network is caused by third partiesâlike vehicles hitting power poles, or machinery coming into contact with overhead lines. Animals (especially birds and possums) can also cause faults if they get too close to equipment.
Bushfires and Vegetation
In some cases, outages are caused or worsened by bushfires, or by trees and branches making contact with powerlines. During dry seasons, Ergon may even cut power as a precaution in high-risk bushfire zones to keep communities safe.
How Can I Check for Ergon Energy Outage in My Area?
When the lights go out, itâs natural to wonder whatâs happening and when power will be restored. Luckily, Ergon Energy makes it pretty easy to check power outages in your area:
Use the Ergon Outage Finder Map
The Ergon Outage Finder Map is your go-to tool for real-time outage info. Just enter your address or zoom in on your area to see if youâre affected. The map shows:
Whether itâs a planned or unplanned outage
When the outage started
How long itâs expected to last
How many homes or businesses are impacted
The cause, if itâs known
Itâs updated every 15 minutes, so you can keep track of whatâs happening as it unfolds.
Check the Text View
Prefer a simple list? The Outage Finder Text View gives you a rundown of all active outages across the network, including estimated restoration times.
Follow Ergon on Social Media
For wider updatesâespecially during major events like storms or cyclonesâErgon Energyâs Facebook page is worth following. They post outage news, safety tips, and restoration progress in real time.
Call Ergon Energy Directly
Sometimes you just need to speak to someone or report an issue. Hereâs who to call:
Emergencies (24/7): 000 or 13 16 70
For life-threatening situations like fallen powerlines or electric shocks and tingles.
Power Outages & Supply Problems (24/7): 13 22 96
If your power is out or youâre having trouble with your electricity supply.
General Enquiries: 13 74 66
Call between 7:00amâ5:00pm, Monday to Friday. For planned interruption enquiries, you can also call after hours.
How to Get Outage Notifications from Ergon Energy?
Ergon Energy lets you manage your notifications via their Customer Self Service Portal, so you can receive SMS text messages and/or email alerts for both planned and unplanned outages.
To Register for Outage Notifications:
Register for the Customer Self Service Portal: If you havenât registered yet, head over to the Customer Self Service Portal and create an account.
Add Your Address: Once youâre registered, go to âMy Profileâ and enter your address. Youâll need your National Metering Identifier (NMI), which you can find on your latest electricity bill.
Manage Your Notifications: Next, navigate to âManage Notifications.â From here, you can select your preferences, like SMS text notifications and/or email alerts. You can subscribe or unsubscribe at any time, so youâre always in control of what you receive.
What Notifications Youâll Receive
For Ergon Planned Outages, youâll get updates about scheduled maintenance or upgrades in your area:
4/5 days before the planned outage
On the morning of the planned outage
If the outage is cancelled
Note: During major weather events, notifications for planned work may be delayed or rescheduled, but youâll still receive a letter notifying you of the planned outage. Once the emergency event is over, notifications will resume.
For Unplanned Outages, Ergon will notify you:
As soon as the power goes out
When the power is restored
Safety Measures During an Outage
Power outages, especially those caused by storms or severe weather, can present a number of safety hazards. Here are some important safety tips to follow when the power goes out:
Avoid Downed Powerlines
One of the biggest hazards during an outage is fallen powerlines. If you come across a downed powerline, stay well away and do not attempt to touch it. Always assume the line is live. Report any downed lines immediately to Ergon Energy by calling 13 16 70 or 000 in an emergency.
Use Generators Safely
If youâre using a portable fuel generator, ensure itâs placed outside and at least 3 metres away from your home or any ventilation openings. Never run a generator indoors or in an enclosed space like a garage, as this can lead to deadly carbon monoxide buildup. Follow the manufacturerâs instructions and ensure all connections are safe and properly wired.
Be Mindful of Food Safety
When the power is out, your refrigerator and freezer will start to warm up. Keep the doors closed as much as possible to maintain a cool temperature. Food can stay safe for up to 4 hours in a fully stocked fridge, and about 48 hours in a full freezer. If the outage lasts longer, consider using coolers with ice packs to store perishables.
Use Backup Lighting Safely
If youâre using candles or open flames for light, always keep them away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended. Battery-powered lights, torches, and lanterns are safer options during an outage. Make sure you have extra batteries on hand in case the outage lasts longer than expected.
Unplug Sensitive Electronics
When the power goes out and comes back on, it can cause surges that may damage your electronics. To prevent this, unplug sensitive devices like computers, televisions, and home appliances. Once power is restored and the electricity stabilises, you can plug them back in.
Keep a Battery-Powered Radio
For updates on the status of the power outage, keep a battery-powered radio handy. This is especially helpful if you canât access the internet, or your phone service is spotty. You can also tune in to local news stations for emergency information and weather updates.
How Can You Prepare for Ergon Energy Outages?
Power outages can happen without warning, but there are plenty of steps you can take in advance to ensure youâre ready when the lights go out. Hereâs how you can prepare for outages before they occur:
Create an Emergency Kit
Having a well-stocked emergency kit is essential for any power outage. Here are some must-haves to include:
Flashlights and extra batteries
Power banks
First aid kit
Non-perishable food and water (enough to last at least 3 days)
Warm clothing and blankets if you lose heating
Battery-powered radio or weather radio
Charged spare devices (tablet or laptop)
Medication (if needed) and baby supplies (if applicable)
Invest in Home Backup Power
When the power goes out, having a reliable home backup generator can make all the difference. Traditional gas-powered generators are often the go-to choice for many, but thereâs a much more efficient and sustainable option: solar generators (battery portable power stations + solar panels).
Gas generators work, but they have some significant downsides: theyâre noisy, require regular maintenance, and rely on fuel that may be hard to find during extended outages. Additionally, they emit harmful exhaust fumes and canât integrate easily with your homeâs electrical system.
On the other hand, solar generators are quiet, low-maintenance, plug-and-play, and can be recharged with solar power, making them a cleaner, safer, and more eco-friendly option.
One of the most advanced solar generators available is the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Portable Power Station. It offers a high output of 3600W (with a surge of 7200W), making it capable of powering 99% of household appliances, including your fridge, TV, air conditioning units, and even dryers. If your home requires even more power, you can pair two DELTA Pro units together for a combined output of 7200Wâideal for homes with larger energy demands.
The DELTA Pro also comes with a massive power capacity, starting at 3.6kWh but expandable up to 25kWh. This allows it to keep essential devices and appliances running for hours, or even days, depending on your energy usage.
Another major advantage is its ability to integrate seamlessly with your homeâs electrical circuits via the Smart Home Panel, which enables the DELTA Pro to switch over to backup power in just 20 milliseconds. This means that during an outage, your essential circuits stay powered with virtually no interruption.
One of the most impressive features of the DELTA Pro is the fast chargingâfully recharging in just 1.9 hours from a wall outlet. If you need even faster charging, it also supports charging from electric vehicle (EV) stations and can handle multi-charging up to 6500W.
To make your backup power system sustainable for longer outages, pair the DELTA Pro with the EcoFlow 400W Portable Solar Panel. Itâs built to last with a high 23% conversion rate and an IP68 waterproof rating, making it durable enough for all kinds of outdoor conditions. The adjustable, self-supporting design makes it easy to set up wherever you need it, so you can get the most out of the sun.
Protect Your Appliances
Consider installing surge protectors for sensitive electronics like computers, TVs, and home appliances. This will protect them from power surges when the electricity is restored.
Keep Your Home Well-Maintained
Regular maintenance of your electrical systems can help prevent unnecessary outages:
Trim trees and shrubs: Overgrown branches can damage power lines during storms, so keep vegetation around your property well-trimmed.
Inspect your electrical system: Ensure that your circuit breakers and electrical panels are up-to-date and functioning properly.
Make a Family Plan
Have a conversation with your family members or housemates about what to do during an outage. Make sure everyone knows where the emergency kit is stored, how to contact each other if you're separated, and what steps to take if the outage is prolonged.
Know Your Community Resources
Find out what support is available in your area during power outages, especially if you have special needs. This might include access to local emergency shelters, cooling or heating centres, or community groups that provide assistance to vulnerable individuals.
Conclusion
Ergon Energy outages might be inevitable from time to time but being informed and prepared can help you manage the situation with confidence. By knowing how to track both planned and unexpected outages, setting up timely notifications, and putting together an emergency kit early, you can reduce their impact on your daily life.
As weâve seen, one of the smartest ways to stay ready is by investing in a reliable backup solution like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro solar generator. With this setup, you wonât have to sit in the dark or worry about spoiled groceries. Youâll have clean, quiet power whenever you need it.
FAQs
How can I report an outage to Ergon Energy?
To report a power outage, call Ergon Energyâs 24/7 emergency line at 13 22 96. This number is available for reporting lost power or electricity supply problems. If itâs an emergency, such as fallen powerlines or electrical hazards, call 000 or 13 16 70 immediately. You can also visit Ergon Energyâs Outage Finder Map for updates and to see if your area is affected.
What should I do to protect my appliances during an outage?
To protect your appliances during an outage, unplug them or use surge protectors to prevent them from being damaged due to power surges. Also, turn off lights but leave one on so youâll know when power is restored.