Residents in Northern NSW are being warned they could be without electricity for multiple days, as Tropical Cyclone Alfred delivers hazardous winds and rain, damaging the electricity network.

As of 4pm today, more than 38,000 homes and businesses are without power in the Northern Rivers and Far North Coast, mostly due to damage caused by falling trees and branches. The worst hit areas are between Tweed Heads and Yamba.

Essential Energy, the electricity distributor for the region, is warning residents that due to severe weather, it is currently unsafe to access and repair damaged power infrastructure. However, they will resume repairs as soon as conditions allow.

This means households and businesses need to prepare for the possibility of extensive and extended power interruptions over the coming days.

What to do before a power outage:

• Keep battery-powered torches charged and easy-to-find.
• Ensure your car has petrol or if you have an EV, make sure it is charged.
• Have backup methods to safely prepare food and boil water, such as a camp stove or gas BBQ.
• Know how to turn off power to your home.
• Have manual overrides for garage doors and gates so you can enter and exit.
• If you rely on an electric pump for your household water supply, store enough water for your needs while the power is off.
• Have a list of emergency and important phone numbers, in case your mobile phone battery runs out.

What to do during a power outage:

• Stay 8 metres away from damaged wires and fallen powerlines. Call Essential Energy on 13 20 80 to report the damage.
• Never enter flood waters, as damaged electricity infrastructure can cause electric shock.
• Limit mobile phone use. Save your battery for important calls and updates.
• Switch off appliances that can be damaged during power surges, including TVs, computers and Wi-Fi routers.
• Do not attempt to repair electrical issues yourself or try to use any external power generation sources indoors, such as an external or portable generator.
• Petrol or diesel-powered generators can produce carbon monoxide gas and must only be operated in a well-ventilated outdoor area away from open windows and vents.
• If you must run your vehicle to charge devices, do it outside with good ventilation.
• Follow the NSW Food Authority’s advice on food safety and try to limit the number of times you open the fridge and freezer.
• In a life-threatening situation, always call Triple Zero (000).

Energy retailers are supporting residents who rely on medical equipment. If you have registered your medical equipment, you should be contacted by Essential Energy or your energy retailer (the company that delivers your electricity bill).

The NSW Government is working with partners in the energy industry to coordinate preparation for the Tropical Cyclone and ensure all resources are ready to respond.

Essential Energy has moved additional crews, generators, fuel pods and mobile communication systems into the region. It has also established support arrangements with Ausgrid and Energy Queensland in case they are required. Endeavour Energy has also offered support if needed.

Ampol and BP are publishing on their websites the locations of service stations that will be open throughout the duration of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. These are mainly self-service stations and are intended mainly for use by emergency services. For further fuel station impacts and closures use the FuelCheck App: www.fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/app.

NSW authorities are working with the Commonwealth to secure additional generator capacity.

More information about what to do before, during and after a storm is available online: What is a power outage and what to do(www.energy.nsw.gov.au/households/guides-and-helpful-advice-households/what-power-outage-and-what-do).

Live updates on outages are available on the Essential Energy website: Power Outages (www.essentialenergy.com.au/outages-and-faults/power-outages).

Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe said, “Households and businesses need to prepare for the real possibility that they will be without power for an extended period of time.

“We know this is distressing. Energy companies are working to restore power as soon as it is safe to do so. However, dangerous conditions will likely prevent crews accessing and repairing damage to the network for some time.

“Energy and water do not mix, and pose a threat to residents and energy workers. It is crucial residents stay well away from fallen power lines and damaged electrical equipment.”