Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes when a storm hits, or why your lights might flicker for a second? We know you have questions about how the electricity network works and what we do to keep your power safe and reliable, especially when the unexpected happens. Many of you have asked for better insights, and we've listened!

That's why we've put together a series of new, easy-to-understand videos. These short clips dive into some of the most common questions our customers ask, giving you a clear look at how we manage the electricity network, respond to outages, and prepare for whatever South Australian weather throws our way.

Your power questions answered

Here's a look at the videos we've created to give you a clearer picture of how we keep your lights on:

Planned outages explained: Why we sometimes need to turn the power off

While we always aim to keep your power on, sometimes, to keep your electricity supply safe and reliable, we need to temporarily turn it off for planned maintenance. This video takes you behind the scenes of why these planned outages are essential. With over 90,000 km of power lines and around 650,000 Stobie poles to maintain, these scheduled works are crucial for upgrading and repairing our vast network, ensuring your lights stay on for years to come.

Momentary power outages explained

Ever noticed your lights briefly go off and then come right back on? Those quick flickers are often a sign that our safety equipment is doing its job! This video explains how clever devices like circuit breakers and reclosers automatically detect and clear temporary faults on the network, helping to restore power almost instantly and preventing longer outages in most cases.

When a tree falls on powerlines: How we manage the network

Trees and powerlines aren't always the best of friends. While we work year-round to trim vegetation safely away from our lines, sometimes a tree or branch falls unexpectedly from outside the legislated clearance zones. This video shows you the steps we take to manage these situations, how our crews are dispatched, and our commitment to restoring your power as quickly and safely as possible.

Prioritising restorations after an event: How we manage the power network

When South Australia faces extreme weather events like severe storms, widespread power outages can occur. It's a complex challenge, but we have a clear plan. This video explains our careful process for prioritising repairs during major events, ensuring we address the most urgent community needs first to get everyone’s power supply back on supply efficiently.

Lightning storms: How we manage power outages caused by lightning

South Australia is no stranger to intense thunderstorms and we can see more than 50,000 lightning strikes per day as a storm rolls across SA. Lightning strikes can cause significant damage to our network, leading to outages. Learn what happens when lightning hits or strikes near our powerlines and equipment, and how our teams respond to repair the damage and restore electricity to your home or business.

Bushfire danger: How we manage the power network

Bushfires are a natural part of our landscape but pose a serious threat to lives, property, and our electrical infrastructure. This video explains how SA Power Networks manages the network during periods of high bushfire danger, including measures we take to reduce risk, and what you can do to prepare for potential power outages during these critical times.

Insulator pollution explained

Are you experiencing multiple short power interruptions? It might be due to something called "insulator pollution." Our video explains how dust, salt, and other airborne particles can build up on the equipment that holds powerlines, sometimes causing a brief electrical 'jump' (a flashover) that can momentarily cut your power. Find out why this happens and how it's often our system protecting itself!

Your power, our priority

We hope these videos provide you with a clearer understanding of the dedication and complex work involved in managing South Australia's electricity network. From preventing small blips to responding to major emergencies, our teams are constantly working to deliver the reliable power you depend on. We're always looking for ways to better connect with our customers and provide the information you need. Understanding how the network operates empowers you to be better prepared and appreciate the intricate system that powers your life. We encourage you to watch these videos, share them with friends and family, and explore more about the journey of electricity to your home. 

If you found them useful, please let us know. And if you have any additional questions that need answering, we are available around the clock.

More videos

For more videos, visit our SA Power Networks YouTube channel