For life-threatening electrical emergencies in Canberra, call 000 immediately. For urgent faults like a total power loss, tripping safety switch, or sparking power point, a licensed emergency electrician can typically reach most Canberra suburbs within 30–60 minutes. If you suspect the outage is area-wide, contact Evoenergy on 13 23 86 to check for network faults before calling a private electrician.
What to do right now
- 1
Ensure immediate safety
Turn off the main switch at your switchboard if there is any sparking, smoke, or a burning smell. Stay well clear of any damaged wiring. Call 000 if someone has received an electric shock.
- 2
Check with Evoenergy
Call Evoenergy on 13 23 86 or check their outage map online. If the outage affects your street or neighbourhood, Evoenergy will manage the restoration. You only need an electrician for faults on your side of the meter.
- 3
Contact a licensed emergency electrician
Find a 24/7 electrician in your Canberra suburb on Urgent Electrician. Ensure they hold an ACT electrical licence issued by Access Canberra and request an upfront, written quote.
- 4
Ensure compliance paperwork is completed
In the ACT, electricians must lodge compliance documentation for prescribed electrical work under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004. This confirms the work meets AS/NZS 3000.
When to call an emergency electrician
- ⚠️Your home has lost power but neighbours still have supply
- ⚠️Safety switch trips repeatedly after resetting
- ⚠️Sparking, smoke, or burning smell from any power point or switchboard
- ⚠️Heating system failure during Canberra winter due to an electrical fault
- ⚠️Storm or wind damage to your service line or meter box
- ⚠️Hot or discoloured power points or light switches
How much does it cost?
Emergency electrician callout fees in Canberra typically range from $130 to $260 during business hours. After-hours rates increase to $230–$450 for the callout. Labour is generally $70–$115 per hour on top. Canberra's compact metro area means travel surcharges are uncommon. A safety switch replacement averages $180–$340, and a full switchboard upgrade costs $1,400–$3,600. Heating-related electrical faults spike during Canberra's cold winters.
