If you’re a Wangaratta resident, chances are you’ve grappled with a power outage or two over this summer. And if we're being honest, they always happen to hit at the worst times. Add in unpredictable weather, growing demand on the grid and ageing infrastructure, and blackouts aren’t going away anytime soon.

So, what’s the game plan? Rather than waiting for the lights to dim and WiFi to disappear, it’s time to be proactive. From installing back up systems, to knowing exactly who to call when things turn nasty, here are a few solutions to help stay ahead of the game when the power decides to go AWOL across Wangaratta.

1. Have a Go-To Plan for Emergency Electrical Repairs

First things first — you need a solid action plan, so when the power goes out, you’re ready to go. This isn’t only about knowing where the candles are (though that helps!). It’s about having trusted contacts and fixes at the ready before an outage strikes. One of the best things you can do is keep a list of emergency contacts, including a trusted local electrician who can come to the rescue if necessary. And yes, emergency electricians in Victoria are an essential part of that list. If you’re facing blown fuses, faulty wiring, or something more critical, having an electrician on speed dial could be the difference between a minor inconvenience and full-blown crisis.

Beyond this, ensure that your household or business has a well-defined emergency plan. Know which appliances to unplug, how to access your switchboard (which cuts off the juice) and who to contact for updates. If you live in a rural area, find out whether your property is on a priority list for restoration services — some power companies offer this for vulnerable residents.

 

2. Invest in a Generator or Alternative Power Source

If you’re tired of being at the grid’s mercy, a generator may be a good investment. Portable generators can keep essential appliances such as fridges, lights, and medical devices running until power is returned. For something a little more permanent, consider adding a backup battery system that stores energy to use in emergencies — particularly if you have solar panels already installed.

The key here is to select the correct size generator for your needs. If you just want to keep the basics running, a small petrol-powered generator might suffice. But if you’re running a business, or need to power an entire house, a bigger system or battery-storage solution will work better. And don’t neglect regular maintenance — nothing is worse than discovering your generator is out of petrol or faulty when you really need it.

 

3. Upgrade to Smart Energy Solutions

With modern technology, you don’t need to feel totally helpless in an outage. Energy technology such as home battery systems, automatic transfer switches and energy-efficient appliances can greatly minimise disruption. For example, smart home energy systems can detect outages and automatically switch to backup power, helping to keep your essentials running smoothly. Some models can even track energy use in real-time and send alerts to your phone if an outage occurs. Plus, replacing your appliances with energy-efficient models reduces your total power consumption, which is helpful when energy resources are limited during blackouts.

 

4. Stay Informed with Real-Time Updates

Knowledge is power—literally. Knowing what’s happening during an outage — and when power will be restored — can be the difference between sitting in the dark and being prepared. Make sure you’re signed up for SMS alerts from your electricity provider, follow local emergency services on social media and bookmark your electricity provider’s outage map to check updates in real time. Moreover, if you live in an area with frequent blackouts, you may want to buy a battery-powered radio or a hand-crank charger for your phone so you’re never completely cut off from updates. In some cases, community Facebook groups can also be an excellent way to get real-time info from locals facing the same outage. Staying connected is key to ensuring you’re not left in the dark, literally and figuratively.

Thankfully, AusNet is aware of network limitations as well, and development plans are being prepared as we speak to ensure that Wangaratta residents can still stay connected through grid contingency planning in the future. In the interim, residents can utilise emergency measures like UHF radio communications as well.

5. Build a Blackout Survival Kit

Power outages can be a nuisance, but they don’t have to be a complete catastrophe provided you’re ready. A blackout survival kit stocked with items can make all the difference. Here’s what you need to have ready:

• Torchlights and extra batteries (because the camera on your phone can chew up your battery!)
• Portable phone charger (solar or battery powered if possible)
• Canned food] and bottled water
• A gas-powered camping stove or BBQ (for cooking)
• Radio powered by batteries (for information)
• First-aid kit (accidents happen)
• Cash (ATMs/card machines may not work)

A dedicated “blackout box” means you’re not scrambling in the dark when the power’s out. Store it in a place that is accessible so everyone in the household knows where to find it.

 

6. Plan for Extended Outages

Most blackouts get fixed in a matter of hours, but some can persist for much longer. You could be without power for days if a big storm, bushfire or infrastructure failure rolls through, taking out electricity to a wide area. This is where the planning really pays off.

For extended outages, consider how you’ll manage basics like food storage and cooking, heating or air-conditioning and medical needs. If you depend on refrigerated medications, a tiny battery-powered refrigerator might be a wise purchase. Remote workers should have a plan in place with a backup way to access the internet, whether that’s with mobile data or heading to a nearby town with power.

Some community centres and libraries provide charging stations and emergency supplies during sustained outages, so it’s worth knowing where your closest one is. And if all else fails, having friends or family in another city who can host you for a night or two can be nothing short of lifesaving.

 

7. Advocate for Better Infrastructure

Finally, while personal preparedness is key, but it’s also important to advocate for long-term solutions. Ageing infrastructure and rising demand mean power outages are not merely an annoyance — they’re an indication that the system needs upgrading. If you’re fed up with repeated blackouts, consider getting involved with your local advocacy group or writing to your local council to call for better energy resilience. Many communities are working towards microgrid solutions, which can help keep the lights on even when the main grid fails. Investing in renewable energy projects and battery storage solutions can also build a more reliable system for everyone.

Wrapping Things Up

There’s never a good time for a power outage, but they don’t need to derail your whole life. By preparing in advance, taking steps to implement backup solutions, and remaining informed, you can minimise interruptions and unnecessary stress. A bit of planning can pay long-term dividends — so take the time now to ensure you’re prepared for future power outages, which we know we can expect across the region as network development continues.