If your power is out in Sydney, first check whether it is an area-wide Ausgrid outage or a fault at your property. Call Ausgrid on 13 13 88 or check the Ausgrid outage map online. If only your property is affected, the fault is on your side of the meter and you need a licensed electrician. Common causes include a tripped safety switch, overloaded circuit, or faulty wiring.
What to do right now
- 1
Check if it is an area-wide outage
Look outside — are street lights and neighbours' lights on? Check the Ausgrid outage map at ausgrid.com.au or call 13 13 88. If the outage is area-wide, Ausgrid will manage restoration.
- 2
Check your switchboard
Open your switchboard (usually near the front door or in the garage). Look for tripped switches — they will be in the middle or down position. Try resetting the main switch and any tripped circuit breakers or safety switches one at a time.
- 3
Isolate the faulty circuit
If a safety switch trips again immediately after resetting, unplug all appliances on that circuit and reset again. Plug appliances back in one at a time to identify the faulty device.
- 4
Call a licensed electrician if the problem persists
If you cannot restore power by resetting your switchboard, or if a safety switch keeps tripping, you need a licensed electrician to diagnose and repair the fault. Search Urgent Electrician for 24/7 sparkies in your suburb.
When to call an emergency electrician
- ⚠️Your switchboard trips immediately after resetting
- ⚠️Only your property is without power and you cannot find the cause
- ⚠️You notice a burning smell, sparking, or scorch marks at your switchboard
- ⚠️The outage is affecting medical life-support equipment
- ⚠️Your meter or service fuse has blown
- ⚠️The main switch will not stay in the on position
How much does it cost?
If the outage is an Ausgrid network fault, there is no cost to you — Ausgrid restores supply free of charge. If the fault is at your property, emergency electrician callout fees in Sydney range from $150 to $300 during business hours and $250 to $500 after hours. Diagnosis and repair are additional, typically $80–$130 per hour. A blown service fuse replacement costs $150–$350.