2025 NSW Floods: Power Outages, Community Recovery & How to Stay Safe
In May 2025, parts of the New South Wales coast experienced some of the worst flooding in living memory. Triggered by a slow-moving low-pressure system, the event devastated towns along the Mid North Coast and parts of the Hunter region—including Taree, Kempsey, Nambucca Heads, Sawtell, Dorrigo, Port Macquarie, and Coffs Harbour. With over 5,000 homes and businesses initially left without power and hundreds still in the dark, many residents are now facing a long and difficult recovery. Here's what you need to know about the flooding, how energy services have been impacted, and what support is available to affected communities.
What Caused the 2025 NSW Floods?
The flooding was the result of a prolonged low-pressure system that stalled over the Mid North Coast, dumping record rainfall across the region. Taree saw the Manning River swell to over six metres—breaking a near 100-year flood record.
The disaster has been labelled a 1-in-500-year flood event, with over 800 homes assessed as uninhabitable and thousands more sustaining varying levels of damage. Hundreds of schools were forced to close, low-lying farmland was inundated, and thousands of residents remain isolated or displaced.
Power Outages and Essential Energy Response
The storms brought down powerlines, toppled poles, and submerged key parts of the electricity network. At the height of the disaster, more than 5,000 homes and businesses from Woolgoolga to Forster lost power. As of late May, over 600 customers are still without electricity.
Essential Energy crews have been working in extreme conditions to restore services—often in waist-deep mud and ongoing rain. Restoration efforts have included:
- Replacing and straightening fallen poles
- Restringing damaged lines
- Removing tree limbs and vegetation from overhead infrastructure
Due to saturated ground and lingering flood debris, additional outages may still occur in the coming weeks. Residents are advised to remain alert for falling branches and trees that could impact powerlines as soils remain waterlogged. You can contact your energy provider for any news on power outages, and for help in regards to your energy.
Safety Around Powerlines and Floodwaters
Essential Energy has issued a number of public safety warnings. If you're returning to a flooded property or live in an affected area:
- Stay at least 8 metres away from any fallen powerline
- Keep 150 metres away from submerged or partially visible powerlines
- Immediately report fallen or damaged lines to Essential Energy on 132080
If your power has been disconnected for safety reasons, Essential Energy teams are on the ground in towns like Wingham and Taree to assist residents with the reconnection process.
How to Prepare During Ongoing Outages
If you’re still without power, or outages are expected to continue in your area, consider the following tips to stay safe and prepared:
| Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Turn off and unplug appliances | Prevents surges when power returns |
| Keep fridge/freezer doors closed | Helps preserve food longer during extended outages |
| Use generators safely outdoors | Avoids risk of carbon monoxide poisoning |
| Charge phones and power banks when possible | Staying connected is critical during emergencies |
For more information on outages in your area, visit Essential Energy’s outage tracker or contact their emergency line.
Government Assistance and Support Available
Disaster recovery funding has been activated at both state and federal levels. Support includes:
- One-off disaster payments for impacted adults and children
- Disaster Recovery Allowance, offering short-term income support
- Emergency housing assistance for displaced families
- Financial aid for repairs to uninsured properties
If you’ve been affected, you can check your eligibility and apply for support through Services Australia’s website or by visiting a local Recovery Assistance Point.
What Happens Next?
The clean-up and recovery phase is now underway, with support from the Australian Defence Force, SES, and community volunteers. However, ongoing rain and difficult terrain are expected to slow recovery timelines across much of the Mid North Coast.
Unfortunately, local authorities have also reported incidents of looting in some affected areas. Police have increased patrols in flood-impacted communities, and residents are encouraged to report suspicious behaviour immediately.
It’s also important to take precautions when cleaning your home or property. Floodwater can carry sewage, chemicals, and debris that pose health risks. Protective clothing, gloves, and masks should be used during any clean-up activities.
Final Tips for Residents in Affected Areas
- Don’t attempt to reconnect electricity on your own—always wait for the all-clear from Essential Energy
- Document all flood damage thoroughly for insurance and disaster claims
- Follow updates from SES and local councils regarding road access, clean-up programs, and recovery hubs
- Reach out to neighbours and local support networks—community cooperation is key during recovery
As recovery efforts continue, communities across the NSW coast are showing resilience in the face of enormous loss. For those still without power, support is available, and energy providers are continuing their work to restore essential services as quickly and safely as possible.
If you're still experiencing outages or need assistance with your utility services, Selectra can help connect you to the right resources.
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