Life support

What is life support?

If you or someone residing at your business premises relies on Life Support Equipment, it is vital to advise your electricity retailer and distributor.

 

Life Support registration means that if your energy retailer or distributor plans to interrupt your power supply for maintenance, repairs or other works, they will let you know in advance so you can organise an alternative power source.

 

Having a back-up plan in place is essential even if you are a registered Life Support customer. This is because unexpected power outages can occur without warning (for example, during a storm).

 

 

What is Life Support Equipment?
  • an oxygen concentrator
  • an intermittent peritoneal dialysis machine
  • a kidney dialysis machine
  • a chronic positive airways pressure respirator
  • crigler najjar syndrome phototherapy equipment
  • a ventilator for life support
  • any other equipment that a registered medical practitioner certifies is required for a person residing at the customer’s premises for life support.

 

Consult a doctor if you have questions about the equipment you or someone residing at your business premises uses and whether it is a Life Support Equipment.

More information about Life Support

Once we’ve registered you for life support, we’ll send you an application form. Alternatively, you can download the form for your state below:

New South Wales Life Support Rebate form
Victoria - Life Support Concession – application

 

IMPORTANT:
Registering as a Life Support customer does not guarantee you a continuous, uninterrupted power supply. Unplanned outages can occur without notice. Please make alternative arrangements for these emergency situations. Have a plan - your power can go out unexpectedly at any time, so it’s vital to have an emergency plan in place. If you experience a loss of power, refer to your plan. If there is an immediate threat to life, call an ambulance on 000. If a loss of electricity occurs, firstly, check to see if the power outage is due to a blown fuse or if the main switch on your electricity meter is in the off position. Ask your doctor or medical professional to clearly explain what you should do if your life support machine stops working or appears faulty. If your doctor or medical adviser has not given you this advice or their information is unclear, please contact them immediately.

 

Your emergency plan could cover:
 

  • What steps you will take.
  • A list of emergency phone numbers and a means of contacting these people or services that does not require mains power.
  • Actions you will take to seek alternative sources of power.
  • Back-up generation or a battery that is fully charged at all times.
  • Transportation arrangements.
  • Advice from a doctor or medical professional. Emergency numbers for distributors National distributors (emergency/faults 24 hours).