Powercor urges Victorians to plan ahead for Monday’s extreme weather

Electricity distributor Powercor is asking Victorians to plan ahead for Monday’s high temperatures, strong winds and potential storms forecast to hit the state.

Extreme weather conditions can damage the power network, leading to localised power outages.

We are closely monitoring weather conditions and have extra field crews, controllers and customer centre specialists ready to respond if power does go out.

Victorians can act too by preparing for power outages as part of their emergency plan.

Charge phones and other devices, have a battery-powered radio available for real time news updates, and sign up to for SMS notifications about power supplies at www.powercor.com.au/notify

If you rely on life support equipment or need electrical items to care for babies, the disabled, elderly or pets make sure you have a back-up plan ready.

While our networks are designed to cope with hot temperatures during summer, extreme conditions like those forecast increase the risk of power outages so preparation is essential.

On days of extreme fire danger, including Total Fire Ban days, we operate the power network in a more sensitive setting to reduce the risk of fire starts. This can mean power outages are more frequent and can last longer, as our crews are required to patrol the lines before switching power back on.

During days of extreme heat, the increase in use of appliances such as air conditioners can place significant pressure on localised power networks and this can, at times, lead to power outages.

Advice on how to prepare

Be Safe.

• Have a back-up plan ready if you rely on life support equipment or need electrical items to care for babies, the disabled, elderly or pets.
• Plan to keep food safe. Set your fridge to 5 degrees (5°C) or below. An unopened fridge will keep food for about four hours.
• Have plenty of drinking water available if your supply relies on power.

Be Smart.

• Sign up for SMS notifications about power supplies and choose your preferences for who you want to receive them at www.powercor.com.au/notify
• Download the VicEmergency app and keep emergency phone numbers handy.
• Know how to connect computers and tablets to your mobile phone’s hotspot.
• Back-up computer files.
• Know how to open electric garage doors and gates manually.

Be Ready.

• Charge mobile phones, laptops and portable back-up batteries.
• If you plan to use a generator, make sure it’s fully fuelled, operational and that you know how to safely operate it.
• Have a battery-powered radio available for real time news updates.
• Keep battery-powered lamps or torches handy.