What work is being done, and why does my power need to be turned off?
Our crews will be carrying out important work on the electricity network. This may include maintenance, testing, upgrades, installing new connections, or replacing equipment that’s nearing the end of its life. Sometimes, this work occurs because of damage done to the network, for example falling trees or a vehicle accident with a power pole.
To keep everyone safe, the power may be switched off while crews are working close to, or directly on, live equipment. Turning the power off allows the team to complete the job safely.
How will this work benefit my area?
This work helps keep your local power supply safer and more reliable now and in the future. Upgraded equipment and regular maintenance reduce the chance of faults, strengthen supply during bad weather, and support the needs of your community.
Why is the outage scheduled for this length of time, and why this day?
The length of the outage depends on how complex the job is and what steps crews need to take to work safely. Some tasks are straightforward, while others require more time to complete carefully.
We also try to choose days and times that minimise disruption as much as we can. However, we acknowledge that across busy communities there will always be some disruption.
Why is the outage duration so long?
We try to complete the work in one day, if we can, which is why some outages can be longer than 8 hours. We appreciate that long outages are particularly inconvenient, but this can avoid the outage moving into a second day, which should minimise further disruption.
Will my power outage definitely go ahead on the day you have communicated?
Occasionally, we need to cancel or postpone work. This is usually due to unavoidable planning issues, poor weather, or safety matters. If this occurs, we will notify the power account holder and update the Vector Outage Centre. We appreciate that this is especially inconvenient and we try and minimise this as much as we can.
Will my power be off for the entire timeframe listed in the communications?
Not always. If the job goes smoothly, crews may be able to restore power earlier than planned. If the full timeframe is needed, your power will remain off for the entire scheduled window. From time to time, we may need to extend the outage to complete the work. If that is the case, we will communicate with the power account holder and update the Outage Centre. We’ll always turn it back on as soon as it’s safe to do so.
Why didn't I receive a notification?
Notifications can only be sent to the power account holder using the contact details held by your electricity retailer. If these details are out of date, or if you’re not the account holder, you may not receive our notifications.
We’re improving our systems so more customers receive updates by SMS, email, and through our Outage Centre. If you think you missed a notification, please check your contact details with your electricity retailer.
Please note, notifications go to the power account holder only. If you live with other people, you may wish to pass this information on to them. If you are the account holder, but don’t live at the address listed, please forward this information on to those that do
How long will food stay in my fridge or freezer during a power outage?
Keep the fridge closed so food will stay cold for longer while the power is off. A freezer will usually keep food frozen for up to 24 hours without power if the door stays shut.
Avoid opening doors frequently to maintain temperature and reduce the risk of food spoilage.
What happens if the work runs over time? Will I be told?
If the work takes longer than expected, we’ll restore power as soon as it’s safe to do so.
If timings change, we’ll send an SMS and or email update to keep you informed when we receive confirmation from crews on site. Our crews share updates as soon as they’re available, so we can pass this information on as quickly as possible.
Please note that notifications are sent to the power account holder only, as we only hold their contact details. If you live with other people, you may wish to pass this information on to them. If you’re the account holder but don’t live at the address, please forward this information to those who do.
I rely on medical equipment, what should I do?
If you use medical equipment that relies on electricity, please make sure your emergency response plan is ready before the outage.
We also recommend registering as a medically dependent consumer with your electricity retailer so you receive the right support and notifications.
If you have any immediate health concerns, contact your health provider, or call 111 in an emergency.
What is sensitive electrical equipment, and what should I do?
Sensitive electrical equipment includes devices that can be affected by power interruptions or when power is restored. This may include TVs, computers, modems, routers, smart devices, and appliances with electronic controls.
Before the outage, switch these items off at the wall and unplug them if possible. This helps protect them when power is turned back on.
If you’re unsure, it’s safest to switch the device off.
What happens if the outage is postponed or cancelled?
Sometimes work can’t go ahead because of weather or safety requirements. If that happens, we’ll use the alternative date provided in your notification. We’ll keep you updated if anything changes.