Check it is a network outage
If your whole street is dark, it is a Ausgrid network outage. If only your home is out, check your switchboard for a tripped safety switch first.
Got a Ausgrid power outage? Ausgrid is the distributor that owns the network in New South Wales, so it, not your retailer, is who you call and who restores supply. This page shows how to report a Ausgrid power outage, where to find the live outage map, what to do during a blackout, and the compensation you may be owed for a long or repeated outage.
In a blackout
Four steps to report a Ausgrid outage and stay safe while you wait for power to come back on.
If your whole street is dark, it is a Ausgrid network outage. If only your home is out, check your switchboard for a tripped safety switch first.
Look up the Ausgrid outage map for a known outage in your area, the cause and an estimated restoration time, updated live.
If it is not already listed, report it on the 24/7 faults line 13 13 88. Have your address and, if you can, your National Metering Identifier (NMI) from your bill.
Keep clear of any fallen powerlines (at least 8 metres), keep the fridge shut, and turn off sensitive appliances at the wall until power is stable.
The quickest way to check a Ausgrid power outage today is the live outage map on the Ausgrid website. It shows current and planned outages, the suburbs affected, the likely cause and an estimated restoration time, refreshed continuously. Check there first before you call, as a known outage is already being worked on.
Open the Ausgrid outage mapAreas Ausgrid covers
Outages in Sydney, Newcastle and the rest of the Ausgrid network all appear on the same outage map and use the same faults line.
If you see a fallen powerline, sparking, or anyone is in danger, call Triple Zero (000) immediately and stay at least 8 metres clear, treating every line as live. Then report the network fault to Ausgrid on 13 13 88.
Money back
Long or repeated blackouts can entitle you to a payment, and many households never realise it.
Ausgrid pays an automatic Guaranteed Service Level (GSL) credit when your interruptions pass a threshold in a financial year, for example around 20 total hours off supply or 10 separate interruptions.
The payment lands as an automatic credit on your next bill, passed through your retailer, with no claim to lodge. Read our guide to power outage compensation for the thresholds and how to check yours.
Common questions
Call the Ausgrid 24/7 faults and emergencies line on 13 13 88. Have your address ready, and your National Metering Identifier (NMI) from your bill if you can. You can also report and track outages on the Ausgrid outage map at ausgrid.com.au. If a powerline is down or anyone is in danger, call Triple Zero (000) first.
The Ausgrid power outage and faults number is 13 13 88, staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is the same number whether the outage is planned or unplanned.
The live Ausgrid outage map is on its website at ausgrid.com.au. It shows current outages, the suburbs affected, the likely cause and an estimated time supply will be back on. It is the fastest way to check a Ausgrid power outage today without waiting on the phone.
If the wider outage is fixed but your home is still dark, the fault may be on your side of the meter. Check your switchboard for a tripped main switch or safety switch and reset it once. If it trips again, or your meter box looks damaged, call Ausgrid on 13 13 88 or a licensed electrician.
Ausgrid pays an automatic Guaranteed Service Level (GSL) credit when your interruptions pass a threshold in a financial year, for example around 20 total hours off supply or 10 separate interruptions. The credit usually appears on your next bill through your retailer, with no claim needed. See our power outage compensation guide for the detail.
A planned outage is scheduled by Ausgrid for maintenance or upgrades, and you must be given advance notice (usually a letter, SMS or email a few days ahead). An unplanned outage is a fault from storms, fallen trees, equipment failure or a car hitting a pole, with no warning. Both show on the Ausgrid outage map, but only unplanned outages need reporting.
Network charges are fixed by your distributor, but they are only part of your bill. The retailer's energy and supply charges are the part you control. Compare retailers that supply your address to find a cheaper plan.
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