Table of Contents
An outage in Mackay, Queensland, isn’t unheard of, but they can still catch residents off guard if unprepared. Issues of infrastructure, severe weather, or unexpected events can trigger blackouts.
If you’ve found yourself without power in Mackay, use the guide below to learn how to find outage updates and ride it out comfortably.
How Can I Check if There’s a Power Outage in My Area?
Your energy provider is your best source for information about a power outage in your area. You can find power outage maps and further details about how the outage is affecting you on their website or through email/text updates if you’re signed up to receive that notification.
Check the Latest Mackay Power Outage Map
If you want the most current outage map for Mackay, head to the Ergon Energy website and navigate to the “Power Outages” section on the top menu of the homepage. Then, you can look through the drop-down list and select “Mackay” from the options. Click “Go” to view outage information in map form.
You’ll then see a list of current power outages in Mackay. For details, you can zoom in on a specific area, like your neighbourhood or street. If there is an active outage in the area, you’ll find more information, including the outage type, estimated restoration time, and how many customers are impacted.
Check the Status of Your Mackay Power Outage
If you’re experiencing a power outage in Mackay, you can take other steps to check the status and get further assistance.
You can directly call your local energy supplier to report an outage or ask for more information. When you call and inquire, they can provide you with the latest updates and estimate power restoration times so you can plan accordingly. How long an outage lasts can vary depending on the cause and restoration efforts, so be sure to ask what led to the blackout in the first place.
If issues persist and you’re still without power after the estimated restoration time has passed, feel free to contact the Australian Energy Regulator’s independent energy ombudsman service, which provides assistance and advice for energy-related issues.
These steps can help you stay informed and take the most appropriate action regarding your outage.
Common Causes of Power Outages in Mackay
As stated previously, outages can come about in several ways. Bad weather, damage to equipment, and mechanical failures are three of the most common.
Severe Weather
The Mackay area’s tropical climate is prone to poor weather caused by tropical cyclones, which can manifest as severe wind and storm tides. Winds that are strong enough can damage power lines, topple trees, and strike electrical equipment directly, and lightning can also strike transformers.
In Mackay’s wet season, flooding can also get high and lead to flooding that can submerge underground cables or electrical substations. These weather-related disruptions can cause extensive damage and require significant repair, meaning more prolonged outages for residents.
Damaged Equipment
Power outages can also happen if the electrical grid’s equipment gets damaged for several reasons. It can happen gradually due to wear and tear or suddenly due to accidents like vehicle collisions or wildlife interference. Other possibilities include salt air corrosion or construction work accidents.
Mechanical Failures
Despite regular maintenance, mechanical failures are still a real possibility. It might mean malfunctioning transformers, circuit breakers, or switches that the grid relies on. Overloaded systems can also lead to failures affecting smaller neighbourhoods or more significant portions of the city.
How To Report a Power Outage in Mackay
If you need to report a blackout in Mackay, use the Ergon Energy website or call Ergon’s 24-hour Fault and Emergency Line at 12 10 46. If their mobile app is downloaded on your phone, you can also report it in-app.
How To Prepare for a Power Outage in Mackay
The best way to feel at ease when outages strike is to prepare for them ahead of time.
1. Gather Emergency Supplies
Stock up on essential emergency items like non-perishable food, clean drinking water, a first-aid kit, battery-powered flashlights or lanterns, and a radio. You should also include extra batteries, essential documents, and some cash.
2. Unplug Appliances and Devices
Unplug your sensitive appliances and devices to avoid damage from power surges when electricity goes out or is restored. Leave one light plugged in so you’ll know when the power comes back on.
3. Invest in Alternative Power Options
Consider purchasing power backup batteries like EcoFlow Portable Power Stations to keep you charged for extended periods without electricity. EcoFlow DELTA Portable Power Stations are powerful enough to keep your most important appliances and electronics running for hours during an extended outage.
4. Create an Emergency Response Plan
Develop a clear action plan for everyone in your household, including meeting points and evacuation routes if necessary. Ensure all family members know how to shut off utilities and perform their roles.
5. Charge Up Personal Electronics
Keep your laptops, smartphones, and other essential devices charged so that you’ll be ready with a full battery if a blackout strikes.
Steps To Take During a Power Outage in Mackay
Once the lights go out and you’ve confirmed an outage, here’s how to stay comfortable and connected.
1. Avoid Using Unprotected Power Sources
Don’t use power sources that aren’t safe, such as damaged power cords or makeshift electrical connections. These can pose additional safety risks, such as fires or electrocution. You’ll need to find alternative power sources for the time being.
2. Minimize Use of Open Flames
While it may be tempting to fill the house with candles for light, use battery-operated flashlights, headlamps, or lanterns to reduce fire hazards while staying illuminated indoors, especially at night. Never go to sleep with an open flame burning.
3. Avoid Operating Fuel-Burning Generators Indoors
Fuel-burning generators can cause carbon monoxide buildup when used indoors. Instead, use EcoFlow DELTA Series Solar Generators, like the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max + 400W Solar Panel (great for powering essential devices and appliances like refrigerators) or EcoFlow DELTA Pro +400W Solar Panel, which is robust enough to provide whole-home power.
These don’t need fuel to burn. These portable generators rely on capturing energy from the sun. As long as there’s sunlight, you can use them to power your home safely, even when the power grid is down.
4. If the Weather Is Bad, Move to a Safe Space
During severe weather, such as high winds, lightning, hail, or flooding, relocate to a sturdy interior room away from windows until you hear from the local authorities that it’s safe to move.
5. Stay Updated
Use your radio or internet connection from a smartphone to tune into emergency broadcasts. You can check news or government social media channels, local authority websites, or your energy provider’s updates to stay clear on the outage situation.
Final Thoughts
Power outages in Mackay can result from poor weather, infrastructure damage, or unexpected events. You can’t always predict when they’ll occur, but you can be prepared. Stock up with emergency supplies and a backup power source like EcoFlow Solar Generators so you can always keep the lights on, even when the grid is down.