16 Aug 2021
Dear School Community,
The Department has received notice from AUSGRID regarding possible power outages in specific suburbs over the next few weeks.
I apologise if this does not apply to your specific context.
Energy networks are continuing critical maintenance work during Covid-19 lockdowns to make sure we maintain reliable power supply and keep our communities safe. While interruptions to power are rare, they are critical to the safety of the entire network. This means some customers will experience power outages while learning at home, including potentially students completing assessment exams at home.
A full list of the Local Government Areas we cover is below to assist in the appropriate targeting of schools. You can also search by postcode on this page of our website ausgrid.com.au/About-Us/Who-we-are/Network-area-map
If you find that a power outage coincides with one of your exams - here's what you can do:
- Think through whether there is a way you can still undertake the exam during the outage. For example, if your exam is on a device, will a full charge of battery give you enough to complete it? If you rely on wifi, can you use the cellular network instead?
- Contact Ausgrid on 131 365 or enquiries@ausgrid.com.au and provide a letter from the school confirming the time power is required to complete the trial exam. Your assessment Notice would show this.
- Contact your teacher to discuss any possible alternatives.
Kind regards
Hilary Hughes
Principal