The short answer
For a Townsville electricity-network outage or supply problem, contact Ergon Energy Network on 13 22 96 and check its Outage Finder. For shocks, tingles or inconsistent supply, call its emergency line on 13 16 70 immediately. Call 000 for a life-threatening emergency. An electrician investigates faults in the property's electrical installation; they do not replace the network outage service.
Sources: Ergon Energy Network — outages and contact numbers · Ergon Energy Network — when power goes out
What can I find out without touching electrical equipment?
From a safe position at home, you can look outside or contact neighbours to find out whether others are affected. Check Ergon's Outage Finder for reported interruptions and restoration updates.
A neighbour having power is not proof that the fault is inside your home. Likewise, an empty outage map is not a diagnosis. Report unexplained loss of supply and describe what you have observed; do not investigate cables or service equipment to decide who is responsible.
Sources: Ergon Energy Network — outages and contact numbers · Ergon Energy Network — when power goes out
When should I arrange an electrician?
If the network provider advises that your installation needs checking, arrange a licensed electrical contractor. A repeatedly tripping protection device also needs investigation. Keep any network advice or reference number so the electrician knows what has already been reported.
Tell the contractor which areas lost power, when it happened and whether there were warning signs. Use observations you already have; do not recreate a fault to produce a better description. The linked safety-switch guide explains the limits of ordinary user checks.
What if someone depends on powered medical equipment?
Follow the person's outage plan and seek urgent assistance when required. Ergon says life-support registration does not guarantee uninterrupted power or priority restoration. Plan with the treating clinician or equipment supplier before an outage, and keep the network and retailer informed.
Do not rely on an internet-connected home phone continuing to work when its modem loses power. Keep an alternative way to call for help available.
Sources: Ergon Energy Network — when power goes out · Ergon Energy Network — life-support customers
Can Sentinel restore the street's electricity supply?
No. Network restoration is the distributor's work. Sentinel's service is electrical work at the property, such as investigating an installation fault or discussing repairs. Contact the network or emergency services first where the circumstances above apply; an online service enquiry is not an emergency-response channel.
Sources & further reading
Information checked on 5 September 2026. General Queensland guidance does not replace an assessment of your property, its approvals or equipment.