An Expert’s Guide to SA Power Networks
SA Power Networks is the sole electricity distribution network service provider (distributor) for South Australia. It is responsible for building, maintaining and upgrading the poles, wires and substations that deliver power to homes and businesses in the state.
If you find yourself without power, SA Power Networks should be your first port of call, and as such, it is important to know what this distributor can and cannot assist you with. In this article then, we will outline the different services offered to South Australians by this distributor, as well as highlight any useful company information such as how to contact them.
On this page, we’ll cover:
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SA Power Networks Expert Guide
SA Power Networks services around 915,000 homes and businesses across South Australia, ranging from metro to regional areas. This network is comprised of more than 640,000 poles, 200,000 kilometres of overhead and underground wires and over 400 substations. The SA Power Networks network is said to cover an area of more than 178,000 kilometres squared in the state.
Here is some general information about when and when not to contact SA Power Networks:
| When should I contact SA Power Networks? | When should I NOT contact SA Power Networks? |
|---|---|
| If you have a blackout or power failure | You have concerns about your energy bill |
| You are looking to connect a new property to the grid | You want to discuss switching plans or providers |
| If you come across a fallen powerline | You have a power supply issue unrelated to SA Power Networks |
| If you wish to install solar | You are looking for a government energy rebate or concession |
| For a meter reading (if you still have a traditional meter) | You need help picking a solar panel system for your home |
SA Power Networks Services
SA Power Networks is an electricity distributor which means it is responsible for maintaining the infrastructure that supplies power to homes and businesses. As such, some of the services SA Power Networks offers to customers in South Australia include new property connections, rooftop solar, battery and electric vehicle charger connections, restoring power outages or failures, as well as keeping general maintenance around streetlights and power poles.
SA Power Networks Tariffs
SA Power Networks offers a variety of tariff options to South Australian energy customers. Each tariff option comes with different connection and metering charges, suited to various property types and energy usage. If you are looking to change your network tariff, SA Power Networks recommends getting in contact with your energy retailer to find out what tariff you are currently on and discuss if there is a more suitable option available.
SA Power Networks Connections
If you are seeking a new property connection via SA Power Networks, you’ll need to file an application. This can be done via the online form on the SA Power Networks website. It is recommended that you seek assist from an electrician or electrical consultant when filling out your application, to ensure all technical assets have been included.
According to the SA Power Networks website it will take up to 10 business days to receive a response on your application for a new connection. Pricing may vary depending on the type of connection you are seeking; however basic connection services are generally offered at a fixed rate.
Once you are connected to the grid, all that should be left to do is to choose a power provider for your property.
SA Power Networks App
SA Power Networks does not currently have an app available on the Apple Store or Google Play. It does, however, have an online dashboard called ‘Your Meter Data’, which customers can register an account for. This dashboard allows you to view and track how much electricity you have used to assist customers in finding ways to be more energy efficient. Your Meter Data is free for all homes and businesses in South Australia to use.
Electricity Plans on the SA Power Networks
In South Australia, most residents should be able to choose their own power provider. Below we have listed some of the cheapest electricity deals available to households in SA, as per our database.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision. The next three tabs feature products exclusively from AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin.
Here are the AGL Energy plans on our database for South Australia. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are the EnergyAustralia plans on our database for South Australia. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are the Origin Energy plans on our database for South Australia. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
SA Power Networks Company Information
Here we list some of the important bits of company information surrounding SA Power Networks, from contact details and coverage areas. If you live in South Australia, it may be handy to keep a copy of these details for your next power outage or supply fault.
SA Power Networks Contact Details
You can contact SA Power Networks online via the website or over the phone. For general concerns or complaints, you can reach the distributor via email (customerrelations@sapowernetworks.com.au) or through the online submission form on the SA Power Networks website. Alternatively, if you wish to speak to a representative directly, you can call one of the following numbers. Keep in mind that each helpline correlates to a separate issue or concern.
- Customer service: 13 12 61 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm)
- Outages, hazards or emergencies: 13 13 66 (24/7)
- Report an issue with streetlights: 1800 676 043 (24/7)
- Postal address: GPO Box 77, Adelaide, South Australia 5001
SA Power Networks Coverage Map
SA Power Networks is the sole electricity distributor for South Australia, which means it is responsible for supplying power across most of the state. This network covers the majority of the state’s populated areas, spanning from the far west coast of Eyre Peninsula, north to Leigh Creek and south-east to the Victorian border.
This means that SA Power Networks is the distribution network for popular urban areas such as Adelaide, Mount Gambier, Gawler, Port Lincoln and Whyalla.
SA Power Networks Power Outages
SA Power Networks keeps track of power outages in the state through its Outage Map on its website. If you live in South Australia and you experience a loss of power, it is probably best to check this map first to see if the distributor is already aware of the issue. If your property area or suburb is not listed, you can alert SA Power networks by clicking the ‘Report an Outage’ button on the map or by calling 13 13 66.
Alternatively, you can keep up to date with any planned or unplanned power outage through the SA Power Networks twitter page.
Severe weather in the Riverland last night caused power outages. Crews were able to restore most, but are still working on some powerlines with significant damage.
⚡Get info on outages: https://t.co/dvCko4YlYJ
⚡Report power outages: https://t.co/Nm8ohuMch3 pic.twitter.com/lNxr2WJjn4— SA Power Networks (@SAPowerNetworks) January 12, 2022
Kelseigh Wrigley: Energy Content Producer
This page was written and is regularly updated by Canstar Blue’s energy content producer, Kelseigh Wrigley. As a qualified journalist, Kelseigh aims to light the way for everyday Aussies, helping them find a better deal on their energy plan. Whether it’s value for money, new incentives, deals on gas or solar, Kelseigh is keen to help customers put money back in their pockets.
Image credit: daniilphotos/Shutterstock.com, SA Power Networks website.
Other SA Energy Distributors
There is only one electricity and one gas distributor in the state of South Australia. In charge of electricity is SA Power Networks. Natural gas in the state is organised through Australian Gas Networks SA.
Subsidiaries of the Australian Natural Gas Networks also operate in Queensland, Victoria and the Northern Territory.
FAQs about SA Power Networks
Who owns SA Power Networks?
According to its website, SA Power Networks is owned in partnership by CK Infrastructure Holdings Limited and Power Assets Holdings and Spark Infrastructure. CK Infrastructure Holdings Limited and Power Assets Holdings owns 51 per cent of the network, with Spark Infrastructure owning 49 per cent.
What type of work does SA Power Networks do?
SA Power Networks is an electricity distributor. This means that it is responsible for servicing and maintaining the network of poles and wires that deliver power to homes and businesses within a specific region – in this case, the state of South Australia.
Some of the work SA Power Networks conducts include;
- New home or business power connections
- Grid connections for rooftop solar, batteries or electric vehicle chargers
- General maintenance and safety of the area around power lines
- Restoring power faults or outages
- Replacing and maintaining power poles and street lights
- Traditional meter readings
It’s important to understand that SA Power Networks does not generate electricity, nor is it responsible for customer billing. Any issues or concerns with your energy bill should be raised with your electricity retailer.
Metering concerns can be raised with SA Power Networks, but only if the property still holds a traditional meter. Those with smart meters will need to reach out to their electricity provider with any concerns. If you are looking to swap your traditional meter to a smart meter, this will also need to be done through your power provider.
Any issues with internal wiring are under the responsibility of the property owner and will likely require the assistance of a licensed electrician.
Who owns the electricity grid in South Australia?
The transmission lines responsible for the electricity grid in South Australia are owned and maintained by ElectraNet. This network spans across some 200,000 square kilometres of the state. Transmission is just one step in a four-step process for electricity in the state, the others being generation, distribution and retail.
Can I choose another distributor besides SA Power Networks?
Unfortunately, you can’t choose another electricity distributor in South Australia. SA Power Networks is the sole distributor for power in the state, meaning it holds the responsibility of supplying electricity to most homes and businesses in the state.