Energy

Overview

There are a number of actions you can take to minimise the impact an energy supply disruption will have on you and your family.

For most households, energy comes from two sources: petrol and electricity. Some households also have gas (bottled and/or reticulated) and wood as alternative fuels. Having a variety of energy sources available to you gives you extra options in dealing with any disruptions in supply.

Some other things you can do to protect yourself are:

• avoid using the energy in shortage
• use the energy that you do use a lot more efficiently
• switch to other forms of energy
• help others

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Electrical Supply Disruption

Before

• Put together an Emergency Kit which includes:
  • a battery-operated or wind-up radio;
  • a battery-operated or wind-up torch;
  • spare batteries;
  • candles;
  • mobile phone charger that works off a car cigarette lighter; and
  • non-perishable food and water.
• Be aware that if you have solar PVs that your power will still go out.
• If you have a gas bottle, have a spare one as well.
• If you use electricity for heating – have some extra blankets and clothing.
• If you get the chance – precharge mobile phone/laptop batteries.

During

• Make sure you understand what restrictions are in place and when you can or cannot use electricity.
• Restrict usage of electricity to essential activities (i.e. no dishwashers, clothes driers, hair driers, console games).
• Charge your mobile phone in the car while driving.
• Cook on a gas BBQ - but leave it outside. It is dangerous to bring a gas fired BBQ inside.
• Turn off as many devices as you can that are on standby.
• Turn off your hot water cylinder or at least take short showers.
• Change the thermostat on any heaters so they run less frequently.
• Use candles for lighting – but be careful.
• Keep the fridge door closed – if you do open it get everything in and out quickly.
• Do not plug back-up generators into your switchboard. It is dangerous and can impact on the crews trying to repair the network.
• Keep the house warm in winter by pulling curtains closed and be aware that pipes can freeze and burst in winter. If necessary, let taps drip slowly.
• Disconnect or turn off all appliances that will turn on automatically when power is restored. If several appliances start up at once, they may overload electrical circuits.

After

• restock the candles and batteries you used; and 
• throw out any food that has gone off in the fridge or freezer.

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Gas Supply Disruption

Before

• If you use gas for heating, make sure you have some extra blankets and clothing readily available in case your gas supply is interrupted.

During

• Make sure you understand what restrictions are in place and when you can or cannot use gas.
• Restrict usage of gas to essential activities.
• Turn off your hot water cylinder or at least take short showers.
• Cook with your microwave.
• Do not try to put bottled gas into your pipes. It won’t work.
• Keep the house warm in winter by pulling curtains closed and be aware that pipes can freeze and burst in winter. If necessary, let taps drip slowly.

After

• Don’t turn the gas back on until given the all clear by the relevant authorities. If gas pressures have dropped too low, air can get into the pipes and using gas can then become dangerous.

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Petrol Supply Disruption

Before

• Restrict your usage of petrol to essential activities.
• If you store diesel for backup generation – remember it has a shelf life and needs to be replaced at least once a year.
• Know what fuels your vehicle can use.
• Don’t rely on one service station chain to have fuel. If you have a loyalty card that you usually use make sure you know how to purchase fuel from another chain.

During

• Make sure you understand what restrictions are in place and when you can or cannot use petrol/diesel.
• Share car rides or carpool.
• Take public transport/ride a bike to work.
• Walk children to school.
• Combine as many activities into one trip as possible.
• Check your tyre pressure – it will improve vehicle efficiency.
• Don’t drive over 80kmh – it will improve vehicle efficiency.

After

• Don’t stop being more active!