Reconnecting Power After a Flood – What You Need to Know

By MBR Electrical

Floods can cause serious damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure—including electrical systems. At MBR Electrical, we understand how overwhelming the recovery process can be, especially when it comes to restoring essential services like power. If your property in New South Wales has been impacted by flooding, there are important steps you need to follow to ensure your electricity is reconnected safely and legally.

The most important thing to remember is that you should never attempt to turn your power back on after a flood without a professional inspection. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, and damaged wiring, appliances or switchboards can pose a serious risk of electrocution or fire. For your safety, always assume that any electrical system exposed to floodwater could be compromised until it has been checked by a qualified electrician.

The first step in the reconnection process is to have your property inspected by a licensed electrician. At MBR Electrical, we conduct thorough safety checks of your switchboard, wiring, power points, lighting, and fixed appliances to assess any water damage. If repairs or replacements are required, we’ll take care of them promptly and ensure your installation meets current safety standards. Our goal is to get you back up and running as quickly and safely as possible.

Once all necessary repairs have been completed, we will issue you with a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work (CCEW). This certificate confirms that the electrical work has been carried out by a licensed professional and complies with NSW safety regulations. A copy of the certificate is lodged with NSW Fair Trading, provided to you for your records, and shared with your electricity network provider to allow for reconnection.

If your property is serviced by Essential Energy, it’s likely that power was disconnected to your premises during the flood as a precaution. Before they will reconnect your electricity, Essential Energy requires confirmation that your electrical installation is safe. They rely on the CCEW we provide, and in some cases, may also carry out a visual inspection of the connection point or other infrastructure before restoring supply. You can contact Essential Energy directly on 13 23 91 for more information or updates regarding your property’s reconnection status.

For more information and ongoing updates, NSW Fair Trading and Essential Energy both provide helpful resources on flood recovery and electrical safety. Visit www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au or www.essentialenergy.com.au to access these guides.

At MBR Electrical, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re a homeowner or business owner, we’ll make sure your property is safe and compliant before power is restored. If you’ve been affected by flooding and need expert help reconnecting your electricity, contact us today. We’re licensed, insured, and ready to assist you with fast, professional service when you need it most.

Stay safe, and always leave electrical reconnection to the professionals.