Faults and Emergencies
Utility Distributors
Utility distributors are organizations responsible for managing and maintaining utility networks, such as electricity, gas, and water, within a specific geographic area. Their primary responsibility is to ensure the safe and reliable provision of essential services to customers, even during emergencies or service disruptions.
In the event of a fault or outage, it is important for customers to know how to contact their utility distributor to report the issue. The distributor will dispatch a crew to investigate the problem and restore service as quickly as possible. Some distributors have automated systems in place to detect faults and alert their teams to the issue.
Depending on the utility and location, there may be multiple distributors responsible for different parts of the network. For example, one company may be responsible for electricity transmission while another manages distribution to individual homes and businesses. Likewise, different companies may provide gas or water services in different areas.
To ensure customers know how to contact their utility distributor in case of an emergency or outage, contact information is typically provided on utility bills or the distributor's website. Emergency contact numbers may also be posted on utility equipment such as electrical transformers or gas meters.
Here are some emergency contact numbers for electricity, water, and gas distributors in Australia:
Electricity: Contact your local electricity distributor's emergency number for issues related to electricity supply. For example, in Sydney, call Ausgrid on 13 13 88 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Water and Sewerage: Contact your local water and sewerage utility's emergency number for issues related to water supply or sewerage. For example, in Melbourne, call City West Water on 131 691 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Gas: Contact your local gas distributor's emergency number for issues related to gas supply. For example, in Sydney, call Jemena Gas Networks on 1800 676 300 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
It is crucial to note that if you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, you should immediately leave the area and call your gas distributor's emergency number from a safe location.
Customers should contact their utility provider/operator directly for general inquiries, billing, or other non-emergency matters. Remember, these numbers are for faults and emergencies only.
In summary, faults and emergency utility distributors play a crucial role in providing reliable and safe essential services to customers. Knowing how to contact your utility distributor during an emergency or outage can help ensure prompt restoration of your utility services.
If there is an emergency where there is a risk to life or property, please call emergency services by dialing 000.