What to do if electricity supply is threatened

A prolonged heatwave, cold snap or significant weather event may impact your energy supply.  

While these events may only happen a couple of days a year, changes in energy use can make a big difference. 

We need you to: 

Turn it off

• Between 3pm and 7pm:
  • turn off any non-essential appliances
  • use lights only in occupied rooms
• Turn off your pool pump and filter.
• Turn off appliances and lights that are not in use.

Switch and save

• Change hot water for cold in your washing machine. 
• Use your clothesline instead of a dryer. 
• Swap your stove or oven for a microwave or cook free dinner. 

Winter

• Close your blinds, doors and windows to keep your house warm. 
• Focus on heating one part of your house and cut down in other areas.
• If using air-conditioning, switch it to 18-20 degrees. 

Summer

• Use a fan instead of air-conditioning, unless you're at risk from the heat. 
• If using air-conditioning, switch it to 24-26 degrees. When leaving the house, close your blinds, doors and windows to keep your house cool. 
• Focus on cooling one part of your house and cut down in other areas. 

By making small changes at critical times, you can help the electricity network to get back to normal as quickly as possible.

Check with your network provider for updates in your area. Contact details for electricity distributors in NSW are available on the Australian Energy Regulator’s website.

For information on how to stay safe and beat the heat, visit the NSW Department of Health’s Beat the Heat website.

Extreme weather fact sheet