Life support

Support for customers reliant on medical equipment.

An older couple writing in their diary and using a laptop.
An older couple writing in their diary and using a laptop.

If you or someone in your home relies on medical equipment, we encourage you to register as a life‑support customer so we can prioritise your safety during outages.

What is life support equipment?

Life support equipment includes devices essential for maintaining life or preventing serious health consequences. Examples include:

  • oxygen concentrators
  • dialysis machines
  • ventilators
  • CPAP machines, and
  • other equipment verified by a medical practitioner. 

If you're unsure whether your equipment qualifies, your doctor or electricity retailer can help.

Why registration is important

There are times when we may need to interrupt the power supply to allow crews to safely carry out essential upgrades or maintenance. Registering as a life support customer means we can notify you in advance so you can plan ahead. 

Next steps

  • Register as a life support customer
  • Check or update your life support details with your electricity retailer.
  • Create a life support action plan, so you know what to do during planned and unexpected outages.

Register as a life support customer

Receive advance notice and support during a power outage.

Is your power out? Check the outage map

Check for known outages in your area and see current restoration updates.

Prepare for a planned power outage

Make a plan so you know what to do if the power goes out.  

Contact us

Your safety is a priority for us. If you have any questions regarding the electricity supply to your life support equipment, please contact us.

  • General Enquiries: 13 13 65 (Mon - Fri 9.00am to 4.30pm)
  • Power outage, hazard, or emergency: 13 13 88 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
  • Call 000 immediately and request an ambulance if the situation becomes life-threatening.

Special assistance and translation services

  • For speak-and-listen services, call 1300 555 727, then ask for 13 13 65.
  • For TTY (teletypewriter) services, call 13 36 77, then ask for 13 13 65.
  • To translate into your language, use our interpreter service on 13 14 50.

Printable resources

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Other helpful resources

Contact usPower outages in your area