Life support

We understand that for some people, service reliability is not just a case of convenience, it is critical. If you need an uninterrupted power supply to run critical medical equipment, you should register with us as a ‘sensitive power customer’.

If you’re not sure if this applies to you, read the description in the Life Support Equipment Subsidy Scheme.

The network distributor, Western Power, goes to great lengths to maintain power supply for all homes. But to receive priority attention, you need to tell us if you’re using medical equipment that relies on a continuous supply of power. By doing this, Western Power will take your situation into account when it organises the order of power restoration after an outage.

Western Power does everything it can to meet your needs as a sensitive power customer, but they can’t provide any guarantees of continuous power supply, or restoration times. Events that cause power outages are often out of their control - such as a natural disaster or major accident. So Western Power strongly advises that you discuss a plan with your doctor to deal with potential power interruptions.

How do I register?

To register, you need to complete this Application for Life Support Identification [PDF 106kb], or contact us to ask for an application to be sent out in the mail.

What if I move home?

If you’re using life support equipment and move house, please don’t use the standard 'Moving home' forms on this website to tell us. Instead, call us on 13 13 53 between 7am and 7pm Monday to Friday, so we can change your account details for you and we can notify Western Power of your move.

What should I do if my power supply is interrupted?

Different medical situations, require different responses. So evaluate your situation first, and then decide on the best course of action. Here are a few suggestions to help you stay prepared in the event of an emergency.

• Always have an alternative power source nearby – such as a battery back-up system or a generator 
• Keep emergency phone numbers handy – for your doctor, fire department, police and ambulance services 
• Know the location of your nearest hospital. Always have a phone available that doesn’t rely on mains power, remembering cordless phones don’t work during power outages 
• Have a battery-operated radio on hand with fresh batteries 
• During a storm, listen to the radio to keep up with the latest weather conditions 
• Be fully prepared to leave your home if an extended outage occurs.