Network testing
We will conduct a series of tests on our electricity network in October 2026. The tests will support the uptake of solar, batteries and other technologies.
Network testing
We will conduct a series of tests on our electricity network in October 2026. The tests will support the uptake of solar, batteries and other technologies.
Why are we testing the network?
Rooftop solar and other technologies can raise voltage levels across the network. Managing voltage is important to support more solar, reduce emissions and keep power affordable.
Tests like this help us to define operational settings on our network. This ensures power remains safe and reliable as more renewable energy is connected.
What this means for you
We will conduct voltage tests across our CitiPower and Powercor networks during October 2026. We’ve scheduled these tests to occur on:
Powercor
- Wednesday, 14 October 2026
CitiPower
- Tuesday, 20 October 2026
Testing will be conducted between 12pm and 5pm on these days and will run for up to 60 minutes.
We will not turn your power off as part of this testing. You’re unlikely to notice any change to your power supply.
We may need to reschedule these dates due to weather or other events. If this occurs, we will publish the new dates.
In rare cases, some customers may experience their rooftop solar system or other sensitive equipment tripping. If you experience any irregularities to your supply that result in financial loss, please submit a claim.
If you have any questions, please contact Powercor on 13 22 06 or CitiPower on 1300 301 101.
What are voltages?
Voltage is the technical term for the pressure that pushes electricity through powerlines. Voltage is measured in volts and higher voltages cause more electricity to flow.
Networks are required to deliver electricity to homes and businesses within a range of 216 and 253 volts. We use a system to manage voltage fluctuations on the networks in real time.
If the voltage is too high, customers may use more power than necessary. This can potentially damage some appliances. If voltage is too low, customers may experience flickering lights and poor power quality.
Frequently asked questions
Networks are required to deliver electricity to customers within a range of 216 and 253 volts.
If the voltage is too high, customers may use more power than necessary. This can potentially damage some appliances. Low voltage can result in flickering lights and generally poor power quality.
Growth in solar and other distributed energy can push up voltage levels in the system.
We now use a system, known as our Dynamic Voltage Management System, to manage voltage levels in real time.
These tests will make sure our system is working accurately and effectively. To do this, we will briefly increase voltages at our zone substations. This allows us to measure the voltage levels of every device and meter connected to the local network.
The tests are unlikely to impact your power supply.
Voltage changes will differ from site to site depending on when and how customers use electricity. For example, your neighbour might have an appliance which needs more electricity to power it than what you may have at your property. Or you might have some neighbours which feed solar into the wires in your street. This impacts the power flow and causes differences in your local network.
Most customers will remain within regulated voltage limits. These have a range of between 216-253 volts.
Some electrical equipment can be sensitive to voltage changes. As a precaution, we are contacting businesses and customers who have essential health equipment or rooftop solar. These systems may be sensitive to the testing.
Voltage levels on our networks differ every day. For example, voltage levels are higher on weekdays when more large businesses are operating. Therefore, to gain the most accurate insights into this testing, we need to conduct tests on different days.
We have scheduled these tests on:
Powercor
- Wednesday, 14 October 2026
CitiPower
- Tuesday, 20 October 2026
Testing will run for up to 60 minutes and will be conducted between 10am and 2pm.
We may need to reschedule these tests due to weather or other events. If this occurs, we will publish the new dates.
No, it is not possible to exclude a customer’s site from the tests. We can't isolate and exclude individual properties as they are conducted from our zone substations.
No.