Life Support Power Outage Plan education + awareness campaign
The Life Support Power Outage Plan is a life-saving national campaign supported by the Australian Medical Association (AMA). It’s designed specifically for people who use medical equipment in the home.
Co-developed through close consultation with Life Support customers, carers, and health services, the Life Support Power Outage Plan is a critical preparation tool for managing unplanned power outages.
We’re encouraging all Australians who use medical equipment in the home, from life support equipment through to electric wheelchairs, hoists and refrigerated medicine, and their carers and support people, to complete a Power Outage Plan at www.lifesupport.poweroutageplan.com.au
Watch the video below to find out how to create your Life Support Power Outage Plan:
Using our simple “CHECK. PLAN. DO.” framework, we encourage Life Support Users to take control of their safety during outages. The campaign includes customised resources to help users create comprehensive Power Outage Plans, connect with their support networks, and access emergency assistance when needed.
This initiative is a collaboration between the energy sector, healthcare providers and the life support community, addressing a critical gap in emergency preparedness for one of Australia’s most vulnerable populations.
Who is this campaign for?
- People who use medical equipment at home
- Carers and family members of life support users
- Healthcare providers and allied health professionals
- Community service organisations
- Emergency services
Resources + downloads
Head to www.lifesupport.poweroutageplan.com.au to complete your plan! You’ll find resources and support materials to help you get started.
Need Life Support Power Outage Plan materials in another language?
You’ll find translated versions of the Life Support Power Outage Plan video below:
Arabic
Cantonese
Mandarin
Punjabi
Vietnamese
Spread the word in your community
We’ve created materials to help get the word about Life Support Power Outage Planning out in the community. These include digital and print promotional materials, available in accessible and First Nations formats and translated into Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Punjabi and Vietnamese.
If you’re a community group, health service or local government looking for materials to promote the Life Support Power Outage Plan in your community, please get in touch:
Outcomes + milestones
💡 Life Support Power Outage Plan Website
Working with our Lived Experience Panel, energy businesses, health agencies and the community we created a dedicated website www.lifesupport.poweroutageplan.com.au with specialised resources for Life Support equipment users, featuring downloadable planning templates and guidance materials.
Together with our collaborating businesses and agencies we launched “When it happens to you, know what to do” campaign to reach life support customers across Australia with clear, actionable information about preparing for power outages.
🔌 Power Outage Plan Template
We co-developed a comprehensive backup planning tool with medical professionals and Life Support Users, ensuring it addresses specific medical needs.
💡 Life Support Rule Change Proposal
We submitted a rule change proposal to the Australian Energy Market Commission to improve protections for Life Support Customers, informed by the lived experience of our Panel members.
🔌 Care Provider Education Program
We created resources for healthcare providers, community workers, and emergency services to better support Life Support Customers during power outages.
Who is involved in this campaign?
Lived Experience Panel for Life Support in the Home
Sincere thanks to Jodi Adams, Peter Button, Carolyn Campbell (Deputy Chair), Adam Johnston (Chair), Irene Mewburn, Ricki Spencer, Puspa Sherlock, and Maria Strongylos.
Community Partners
We’re grateful to be informed by a diverse range of stakeholders, including the Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF), Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC, Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland, Justice and Equity Centre, Life Support Medical Advisory Group (represented by the Australian Medical Association) and the WA Department of Energy
Lead Organisations
The Energy Charter, Essential Energy, SA Power Networks
Get in touch
If you would like to learn more about the Life Support Power Outage Plan education and awareness campaign or The Energy Charter’s work with life support energy customers please reach out to Bec Jolly, Director, Energy Equity.