Tips to feel empowered during a power cut

Across Aotearoa New Zealand, adverse weather (wind, storms, snow) brings an increased chance of a power outage. This is true for our district too. This chance rises as the demand for electricity increases when tourist populations swell, and we crank up the power to heat our homes. On top of that, winter weather can put additional pressure on electrical equipment.

If this does happen, Emergency Management Otago and QLDC hope these power outage preparedness tips will spark some inspiration:

• Stash a hot water bottle and a means to heat it around your house. A small gas camping stove or a BBQ will do the trick but must only be used outdoors due to carbon monoxide risks. Don’t forget to keep your wood supply stocked if you have a wood burner.

• Use food in this order: fresh, refrigerated, frozen, then dried foods (cans and packets). Did you know an unopened fridge will keep your food cool for at least 4 hours? A half-full freezer will keep your food chilled for up to 24 hours and a full freezer for up to 48 hours.  Therefore, keep your fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible.

• Go ‘indoor camping’ with those in your home by insulating your living and sleeping spaces by sealing any drafts around windows and doors. Cover windows with thick curtains or blankets to prevent heat from escaping. You could even get everyone in your house to bring their sleeping bags and bedding into one room to keep extra toasty!

• Have warm clothes to hand. Layer your clothing by wearing a thermal base layer, add insulating layers like a jersey or fleece, and then put a coat on. Don’t forget about beanies, gloves, and warm socks, too!

• Keep a torch with spare batteries handy for when night falls.

• Purchase a power failure night light that turns on during an outage or have some battery-operated night lights placed around your home in areas where you might need extra light, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

• Use your car to charge your cellphone. To assist in a faster charge – shut down all apps on your phone and switch to flight mode.

• Have a battery-powered radio so you can keep up to date if there is an extended power outage and the internet is also out.

• Are you medically dependent on electricity? Ensure you have registered yourself as medically dependent with your electricity retailer (who you pay your electricity bill to), and you have an emergency response plan in place.

• Check in with your neighbours. This is especially important if you have neighbours who are elderly or vulnerable.

“If the power goes out, it can be challenging, but with the right preparation you can stay warm and safe. Lots of what you will need will already be in your household, such as camping supplies,” said Dan Andrew, Emergency Management Otago.

Queenstown and Wānaka are two of the fastest growing regions in the country, and the relative remoteness and outstanding landscape introduces greater challenges for infrastructure planning than might be seen in other growing communities. For residents who are concerned about the vulnerability of our power grid, they can be reassured by the news that earlier this year, Transpower, Aurora Energy, PowerNet and QLDC announced a joint investment to secure future electricity supply for Queenstown and the Whakatipu Basin.

If there is an extended power outage, you should turn to Aurora Energy and PowerNet (the district’s two electricity distribution networks) for information in the first instance, as they will share timely updates in the event of a power cut. From there, QLDC and Emergency Management Otago would share this information with the community through a variety of communication channels.

• Aurora Energy (Wakatipu Basin and Upper Clutha - excluding Kingston)

  • https://www.auroraenergy.co.nz/outages/

  • 0800 22 00 05

• PowerNet (Kingston and parts of Frankton

  • https://powernet.co.nz/outages/current-and-planned-outages/

  • 0800 808 587

Both Aurora Energy and PowerNet have information on their websites about any power outages and tips on how to manage without power.

Following these tips can ensure your comfort, safety, and well-being should an outage occur in your suburb.