Frequently Asked Questions
What is Power Outage AU?
Power Outage AU is an independent, community-driven power outage tracker for the United States. People report outages and restorations for their ZIP code, and everyone can see live status, recent reports and outage history, plus their utility's outage number and local emergency numbers.
How do I check if there is a power outage in my area?
Type your 4-digit postcode or city in the search box, or tap the location button. The postcode page shows the current status, a confidence score, every report from the last 24 hours and your electric network's outage line and map.
How do I report a power outage?
First check your breaker panel. Then report the outage to your electric network (the number is on your postcode page and your bill) – networks restore power based on customer reports. Also tap “Power is out” on your postcode page so neighbours know, and “Power is back” when it returns.
Who do I call for a downed power line?
Call 000 and then your electric network. Stay at least 8 metres away and assume every downed line is live – never touch it or anything it is touching, including water or a car.
Do I need to sign up or share personal details?
No. Reporting is anonymous. We do not ask for your name, phone number or street address. See the Privacy Policy for details.
How accurate is the status?
The status reflects what people have reported recently. Reports from more people on different networks, and more recent reports, give a higher confidence score. Reports can be incomplete or wrong, so treat them as signals, not official network data.
What does “Resolved automatically” mean?
If nobody reports “Power is back” and there are no new outage reports for 24 hours, the outage is closed automatically. A new outage report reopens it straight away.
Does “No recent reports” mean the power is on?
No. It only means no one has reported recently. Coverage depends on people in your area using the service.
Is this an official network or government service?
No. Power Outage AU is not affiliated with any electric utility or government agency. For outage reports, restoration times and safety issues, contact your utility directly.
How do I find my electric company?
Open your postcode page: it lists the networks that serve that postcode according to each network’s published service area, with their outage numbers. In areas served by more than one company, check the name on your electricity bill.
Who fixes a power cut – my retailer or the network?
In Australia you buy electricity from a retailer (AGL, Origin, EnergyAustralia and others), but power cuts are fixed by the local poles-and-wires network, such as Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy and Essential Energy (NSW), CitiPower, Powercor, United Energy, Jemena and AusNet (Victoria), Energex and Ergon Energy (Queensland), SA Power Networks, Western Power and Horizon Power (WA), TasNetworks, Evoenergy (ACT) and Power and Water (NT). Your retailer cannot restore power, so call the network number shown on your postcode page.
What emergency numbers should I know during an outage?
000 for life-threatening emergencies, downed power lines, fires and gas or carbon monoxide leaks; 132 500 for SES help with storm and flood damage; 13 11 14 (Lifeline) for crisis support; 13 11 26 for Poisons Information. See the Emergency numbers page for your state's agencies.
Is it safe to use a generator?
Only outdoors, at least 6 metres from doors, windows and vents, and never in a garage, even with the door open. Install battery-powered carbon monoxide alarms. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet (backfeeding) – it can kill network workers.
Are the calculators accurate?
They give estimates based on average residential rates. Your actual bill depends on your network's rate plan, time-of-use pricing, fixed charges, riders and taxes.
Why can I not report again immediately?
To keep the data clean, each device can report the same postcode once every few minutes.
How do I contact you?
Use the contact form (link in the footer) for questions, bug reports, corrections to a phone number, or partnership enquiries.
Questions & comments
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