Hot weather
Before hot weather can cause havoc, we plan ahead, enacting special procedures to help support the delivery of a safe and reliable power supply across the network.
Getting ready for summer
We build our network to be resilient and withstand extreme temperatures. However, high temperatures can sometime impair the operation of key infrastructure (like generators and transmission lines) and unplanned power outages may occur.
Our hot weather preparedness plan makes sure that:
- There is sufficient capacity available to meet increased demand from customers on the hottest days of the year
- Our network equipment is regularly maintained throughout the year and in good working condition to meet the added rigours of hot weather
- We plan ahead and where necessary adapt our programmed maintenance works to suit the relevant temperature conditions, so can minimise inconvenience to customers
- In the event of equipment failing, we have emergency crews available to respond
We have staff ready to respond to any network issues to minimise the time customers are without power if there is faulty equipment or an emergency. Additionally, during heatwaves, we also place extra emergency crews on standby to respond to faults.
Planned outages on hot days
Maintaining a vast electricity network is a big job that requires constant work throughout the year.
This means that sometimes we must plan essential maintenance during hot weather. Our ongoing maintenance routines help to avoid even more inconvenient, unplanned outages that can last even longer.
Where performing essential maintenance requires planned outages to ensure that workers are kept safe, all affected registered electricity account holders are sent SMS notifications, at least four business days in advance, to allow them to plan ahead for the time period that their property will be without power. These outages are planned several weeks in advance, and unfortunately, accurate weather forecasts for the planned outage day are not yet available.
Given the changing nature of weather forecasts, we are constantly checking and reviewing weather forecasts and bushfire conditions on the day before scheduled planned outages. This helps to make sure that, where feasible, our operations cause as minimal inconvenience to you as possible.
Based on forecasts, a decision is made by 12pm the day before, to either proceed or cancel planned works as follows:
- Forecast of up to 37°C: planned interruptions continue as planned, except where extreme or catastrophic fire danger ratings have been declared in accordance with Australian Fire Danger Ratings
- Extreme or catastrophic fire danger: all planned interruptions are cancelled in areas where catastrophic fire danger ratings have been declared. Where an extreme fire danger rating has been declared, planned interruptions are cancelled in areas determined to be bushfire prone by the NSW RFS.
- Forecast of 37°C: planned interruptions are cancelled (or alternative supply arrangements made) for sensitive and vulnerable customers such as hospitals, nursing homes, childcare centres and customers with registered medical equipment. All other works continue as planned
- Forecast of temperatures above 39°C but below 40°C: planned outages proceed where power can be restored before 12pm, so customers are not without power in the hottest part of the day
- Forecast of temperatures of 40°C and above: all planned interruptions are cancelled, unless emergency work needs to be completed to keep people and the network safe
Notifying customers of cancelled outages
If you are an affected registered electricity account holder, you will be sent a cancellation notification (via SMS) before a planned outage is cancelled.
Please ensure that your mobile phone details are up to date, so that you can receive important messages about your electricity supply.
To update your details, you can contact:
- Endeavour Energy directly on 131 003
- Your electricity retailer (who will forward the changes onto us)
Updated information about scheduled planned outages, is also available by entering your home address into our outages map.
