Heatwaves and the electricity network

How hot weather affects the electricity network

High temperatures can impair the operation of key infrastructure, such as generators and transmission lines, leading to unplanned power outages. As we all try to keep cool, the electricity network is put under added pressure. The impact on the network increases after multiple consecutive hot days, as air conditioners increase output to offset the accumulating heat in buildings.

How we prepare for hot weather

Our ongoing network maintenance throughout the year keeps the grid and generators in good working order for the summer months. We have processes in place that monitor and respond to weather and network conditions during hot weather, ensuring we’re ready to handle the rise in electricity demand. Our emergency crews are also on standby, ready to respond to any power outages.

Planned outages during heatwaves

Given the changing nature of weather forecasts, scheduled planned outages are reviewed the day before a forecast heatwave. In areas where temperatures are forecast to reach 40 degrees, planned maintenance work is usually cancelled, unless customers agree to proceed.

If a planned outage is cancelled, each registered electricity account holder in the Ausgrid network area will be sent a cancellation notification by SMS. Please ensure your mobile details are up to date with your electricity retailer. Check the power outage map for updates on changes to scheduled planned outages in your area.

Support for customers in vulnerable circumstances

We recognise that severe heatwaves can be extra challenging for customers in vulnerable circumstances, such as the elderly and young families. If you are reliant on medical equipment, please ensure you're registered with your retailer as a life support customer.

Stay cool and save with our cooling tips

• Set your air conditioning between 23 and 26 degrees. Every degree of cooling below this can add up to 10% to your running costs. Use your power-saving or eco setting if possible.
• Use natural breezes to stay cool - opening doors and windows on opposite sides of your home to take advantage of cross ventilation.
• Keep the heat out - use blinds and awnings over windows to keep the heat off your home.
• Use fans to move cool air around your home – a ceiling fan costs about 2 cents an hour to run or about $6 over a summer, a cheaper alternative to air conditioning the same space.
• Installing spinning roof vents helps to reduce the temperature in the roof cavity.
• Run the pool pump only when needed.