Space weather
Space weather comes from activity on the surface of the Sun. Extreme solar storms are rare. They do not harm humans or animals. But they can damage our electricity networks.
Space weather can cause power cuts that could last up to six days. Find out what to do before, during and after space weather.
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Reduce the impacts of space weather
Space weather has the potential to damage our electricity networks, and all or part of the grid can be turned off to protect it. Transpower is the system operator and looks after New Zealand's electricity grid on behalf of New Zealand.
Power cuts disrupt our lives. The electricity grid will only be switched off to protect our electricity networks from long-term damage.
Power cuts can also impact everyday services like:
- EFTPOS,
- water and sewerage,
- petrol and diesel pumps at service stations, and
- supply of food and other items to supermarkets.
We can all reduce the impacts of space weather. Think about the parts of your home that rely on electricity.
- Are there are any parts that will make you less safe in a power cut?
- Do you rely on electricity for entry or security?
- Plan backups to keep you and your whānau safe in a power cut.
Get ready for space weather
Space weather will not harm you or your animals. But you might be without power for many days.
Make a household emergency plan. Think about what would happen if you had no power.
Find top tips for managing the impact of having no power.
Make a list of appliances to unplug during a power cut. Unplugging appliances can help stop electrical surges when the power turns back on.
If you are medically dependent on power, make sure you have a back up plan. Talk to your electricity retailer about how you can stay safe if there is no power.
Make a plan online with your whānau to get through an emergency. Think about the things you need every day and work out what you would do if you didn't have them.
If you or someone at home relies on electricity to prevent serious harm to health, let you power company know. They must help you get registered as a medically dependent consumer.
Learn how you can prepare for power cuts if you rely on electricity for medical reasons on the Electricity Authority's website.
What to do during space weather
Stay informed in an emergency. Listen to emergency services and local Civil Defence authorities.
Battery- or solar-powered radios, or your car radio, will still work during space weather. Phone lines may not work well when space weather starts. But they should work fine after some time. Keep a list of important phone numbers.
We are still learning about space weather. We do not expect it to affect solar power systems and generators that are not connected to the national electricity grid. You can still use these to power your phone, appliances or mobile phone. You can also use your car to charge essential items like mobile phones.
Do not use outdoor gas appliances such as patio heaters, camping cookers or barbecues indoors.
Eat food from your fridge first, then your freezer. Then eat the food in the cupboard or your emergency kit.
Find out more about how to keep your food safe on the Ministry for Primary Industries website.
If you use a portable generator, it’s important it’s used properly to keep yourself, your whānau, workers, and others safe.
WorkSafe have advice on using portable generators after an emergency.
What to do after space weather
Follow the advice of your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group and emergency services.
Rolling power cuts can continue for some time. Switch off appliances when you’re not using them. Treat all power lines, sockets and equipment as “on”.
Check food in your fridge or freezer before eating. If it smells funny or looks different, throw it out. Do not refreeze food that has been defrosted.
Find your local Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group.
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Bursts of energy from the Sun cause space weather. It does not harm humans or animals. But it can damage or disrupt critical infrastructure.
Space weather happens more often during solar maximum. The current solar maximum started in October 2024 and will continue until 2027.
Space weather can be a solar flare, solar radiation or a geomagnetic storm. Geomagnetic storms can damage electricity networks. They can also affect satellites used for global positioning systems (GPS) and telecommunications.
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