How to Deal with Endeavour Energy Outages: Check, Prepare, and Stay Safe
No one likes losing power, whether itâs because of scheduled maintenance or an unexpected outage. If youâre in the Endeavour Energy region, knowing whatâs going on when the lights go out can help make the situation a little less stressful.
In this guide, weâll walk you through the causes behind both planned and unplanned Endeavour Energy outages, how you can quickly check for current and upcoming outages, and what steps to take during a blackout. Plus, weâll share some tips on how to prepare, so youâre never left in the dark â literally!
Endeavour Energy Planned vs. Unplanned Outages
While most power outages in Sydney are managed by Ausgrid, if youâre in Sydneyâs Greater West, the Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands, Illawarra, or the South Coast, Endeavour Energy is responsible for your power cuts.
Generally, Endeavour Energy power outages can be classified into two types: planned and unplanned.
Planned Outages
Planned outages are scheduled interruptions of your electricity supply, typically communicated in advance. These outages allow Endeavour Energy to perform essential maintenance, upgrades, or safety checks on the electrical network. Common reasons for planned outages include:
Network Maintenance and Upgrades: Routine inspections and enhancements to poles, wires, and equipment to ensure reliable service.
New Connections: Extending the network to supply electricity to new developments or properties.
Vegetation Management: Clearing trees and branches near powerlines to prevent hazards and maintain service reliability.
Endeavour Energy strives to notify affected customers at least 4 business days before a planned outage via SMS. Notifications include details about the purpose, scheduled time, and expected power outage duration, allowing you to prepare accordingly.
Unplanned Outages
Unplanned outages occur unexpectedly due to unforeseen events that disrupt the normal functioning of the electrical network. These interruptions are typically caused by:
Weather Events: Severe storms, high winds, lightning, and bushfires can damage powerlines and equipment.
Accidents: Vehicle collisions with power poles or equipment can lead to immediate outages.
Equipment Failures: Unexpected breakdowns of electrical components necessitate sudden service interruptions.
During unplanned outages, Endeavour Energyâs priority is to restore power safely and as quickly as possible. Restoration times can vary based on the severity of the incident and the resources required for repair.
Load Shedding
In certain situations, Endeavour Energy may implement load shedding to balance electricity supply and demand across the network. This measure is usually a last resort to prevent the grid from becoming unstable.
Load shedding involves rotating power interruptions to different areas to reduce overall consumption and maintain system stability. If load shedding is necessary, Endeavour Energy will provide information about affected areas and durations through their outage map and customer communications.
How Can I Check for Current and Planned Endeavour Energy Outages?
Staying informed about power outages in your area is essential for effective preparation and minimizing disruptions. Endeavour Energy offers several tools and resources to help you monitor both current and upcoming outages:
Endeavour Energy Outage Map
Endeavour Energy provides an interactive Outage Map that displays real-time information on both planned and unplanned outages across their network. By allowing the web to use your location or by entering your address or suburb, you can view:
Current Outages: See areas experiencing unplanned interruptions, along with estimated restoration times.
Planned Outages: View scheduled maintenance activities, their dates, times, and expected durations.
This map is regularly updated to provide the most accurate information. A list view is also available. If youâre experiencing an outage thatâs not listed, you can report an outage on the website.
Social Media Channels
Endeavour Energy actively updates customers through their social media platforms:
Facebook: Follow their Facebook page for timely updates on outages, restoration efforts, and safety tips.
Twitter (X): Stay informed by following @endeavourenergy for real-time outage notifications and customer service support.
These channels are particularly useful during widespread outages or emergency situations.
SMS Notifications
If your mobile number is registered with your electricity retailer, Endeavour Energy will send you an SMS message with details about any upcoming outages. You will receive notifications about the:
Date and Time: When the outage is scheduled to occur.
Outage Reference Number and Link: A specific reference and Outage Map link for the outage, helping you track its status.
To receive notifications via SMS of updates and progress, ensure your most recent mobile number is registered with your retailer.
Contacting Endeavour Energy
If you prefer direct communication or require personalized information, you can contact Endeavour Energy through:
24/7 Emergency Assistance: For urgent outage reports or safety concerns, call 131 003.
General Inquiries: For non-emergency questions, reach out to 133 718.
What to Do During an Endeavour Energy Outage?
Power outages can be inconvenient but knowing what to do when one occurs can help you stay safe and minimize any disruptions. Here are a few key steps you can take:
Check Your Circuit Breaker
Before you assume the outage is widespread, make sure the issue isnât isolated to your property. Sometimes, power cuts are caused by tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses in your home. Head to your fuse box or circuit breaker panel and check if any switches have flipped to the âoffâ position. If you spot one, flip it back to the âonâ position and see if the power returns.
Verify the Outage Status
If your circuit breaker is fine, the next step is to confirm whether the outage is affecting just your home or the wider area. Use the Endeavour Energy Outage Map to check if there are reports of a larger outage. Stay updated on the outageâs progress and estimated restoration times.
Ensure Your Safety
When the power goes out, safety should always be your top priority. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Avoid Using Open Flames: If youâre using candles or gas lamps as a light source, ensure theyâre placed in a safe area away from anything flammable. Never leave them unattended.
Unplug Sensitive Electronics: To protect your devices from potential power surges when the power returns, unplug sensitive electronics such as computers, TVs, and gaming consoles.
Check for Hazards: If you notice any downed power lines, stay at least 10 meters away and report them immediately to Endeavour Energy. Do not touch or try to move power lines, as they may still be live.
Use Caution with Gas Generators: If youâre using a gas generator to provide power, ensure it is placed outdoors in a well-ventilated area to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Never run a gas generator indoors or in an enclosed space.
Keep a Flashlight Handy
During power outages, itâs easy to get disoriented in the dark. Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries easily accessible so you can safely move around your home. Avoid using your phoneâs flashlight for extended periods, as this could drain its battery quickly. Consider having extra rechargeable power banks on hand as backups.
Preserve Food in the Fridge and Freezer
If the power is out for a prolonged period, itâs important to keep your food safe:
Keep the Fridge Closed: Try not to open the refrigerator or freezer door unless absolutely necessary. A refrigerator can keep food cold for up to 4 hours, and a full freezer can keep items frozen for up to 48 hours (24 hours if half full).
Use Coolers if Necessary: If the outage lasts longer than expected, use coolers with ice packs to keep perishable foods fresh.
Check on Vulnerable Neighbors
If you have elderly neighbors or those with medical conditions that rely on electricity-dependent medical equipment, check in on them to ensure theyâre safe and comfortable during the outage. If necessary, assist them in contacting Endeavour Energy for support.
How to Prepare for Power Outages?
While power outages can sometimes come without warning, there are plenty of ways you can prepare in advance to make the experience more manageable and less stressful. Hereâs how to get ready:
Create an Emergency Kit
Having a dedicated kit on hand for power outages can make all the difference. Keep these essentials in an easily accessible location:
Flashlights and extra batteries
Charged power banks
First aid supplies
Battery-powered or wind-up radio
Non-perishable food and water
Manual can opener
Warm blankets or sleeping bags
Keep Your Devices Charged
When a power outage is scheduled or a severe weather warning is issued, make sure your devices are fully charged. Charge up your phone, tablet, laptop, and any other essential devices so you can stay connected during the outage.
Inspect Your Homeâs Electrical System
Ensuring that your homeâs electrical system is in good condition can help prevent damage when the power comes back on after an outage. Consider using surge protectors for sensitive electronics like computers, TVs, and kitchen appliances.
Also, familiarize yourself with your homeâs circuit breaker panel so you know what to do in the event of an outage.
Invest in Home Backup Power
Of course, having a home backup generator on hand can help you stay connected, keep lights on, and preserve food in your fridge when a power outage strikes. While traditional gasoline generators are a common solution, they come with noticeable drawbacks, such as noise, emissions, and the need for fuel storage.
A better, more sustainable alternative is a solar generator, which combines solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity, and a portable power station to store that energy for later use. They are clean, silent, and eco-friendly, and incredibly easy to use.
For a reliable and powerful solar generator backup, consider EcoFlowâs solutions. The EcoFlow DELTA Pro Portable Power Station, for instance, is a top choice.
With a 3600W continuous AC output (surge 7200W), the DELTA Pro can run almost all household appliances, from your fridge and TV to air conditioning units and dryers. If you need even more power, you can pair two DELTA Pro units together to reach a massive 7200W, perfect for larger homes or more demanding devices.
The DELTA Pro has a 3.6kWh base capacity thatâs expandable up to 25kWh, providing hours or even days of power, depending on usage. For added convenience, it integrates directly into your homeâs electrical system through the Smart Home Panel, allowing it to switch seamlessly during an outage and keep your essential circuits running with barely a flicker.
It charges incredibly fastâfully recharging in just 1.9 hours through a wall outlet. It also supports EV station charging and multi-charging up to 6500W, to ensure your power station is always ready. Pair it with EcoFlowâs solar panels to recharge it sustainably during long outages, supporting up to 1600W solar input.
The EcoFlow400W Portable Solar Panel is the perfect match, offering up to a 23% high conversion rate and a self-supporting stand with adjustable angles to catch the best sunlight. Built with durable, multi-layered materials and an IP68 rating, itâs designed to withstand tough conditions and last.
Create an Emergency Plan
If you have a family or live with roommates, itâs essential to create an emergency plan that includes power outage procedures. Discuss the following:
Meeting Points: If the outage is prolonged, designate a meeting point in case anyone gets separated or needs to evacuate.
Communication Plan: Ensure everyone knows how to contact each other if phones are unavailable due to the outage. Having an alternate communication method, like a landline, could be helpful.
Special Needs: Make provisions for any family members who may have special needs or depend on electricity for medical reasons.
Maintain Your Propertyâs Exterior
Sometimes, power outages are caused by weather events or other factors that affect the power lines outside your home. You can reduce the risk of these issues by:
Tree Maintenance: Regularly trim trees and branches near power lines. This reduces the risk of tree-related outages caused by high winds or storms.
Clearing Debris: After a storm, check your property for debris that could pose a hazard, such as fallen branches or objects near electrical equipment.
Stay Informed
Lastly, always stay informed by monitoring official updates from Endeavour Energy during an outage. Use their outage map, social media, and SMS notifications to keep track of any progress on the situation.
Conclusion
Power outages are an inevitable part of life, but by staying informed and prepared, you can reduce their impact on your routine. Whether itâs planned Endeavour Energy outages or an unforeseen event, knowing how to check for updates, what to do in the moment, and how to prepare in advance will ensure youâre always ready.
Overall, the best way to stay prepared is by investing in solid power backup like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro solar generator. Itâs powerful, quiet, and clean, keeping your home running smoothly without the hassles of gas generators.
FAQs
How do I report an outage to Endeavour Energy?
You can report a power outage or electrical hazard to Endeavour Energy by calling their 24/7 emergency line at 131 003 or filling out the Power Outage Reporting form on their website.
How will I know if Iâve got a planned outage coming up?
Endeavour Energy typically notifies you at least four business days in advance of a planned outage. Notifications may be sent via SMS, provided your mobile number is registered with your electricity retailer. You can also check for planned outages by visiting Endeavour Energyâs Outage Map page and entering your address or suburb.
What appliances should I switch off in a planned outage?
Before a planned outage, itâs a good idea to switch off or unplug sensitive electronics like TVs, computers, modems, and microwaves to protect them from power surges. You should also turn off high-energy appliances like air conditioners and washing machines to prevent them from restarting unexpectedly. Leave one light on so youâll know when the power is back.