In Australia, where basic utilities like electricity are often taken for granted, many First Nations households are living without power — and the problem is getting worse. A new report highlights the shocking frequency of power disconnections in remote communities, leaving many without the essentials of daily life.
The Reality of Power Cuts
A recent investigation titled The Right to Power — Keeping First Nations Communities Connected on Prepayment sheds light on a hidden crisis. In regions with high Indigenous populations, many households on prepaid electricity plans are experiencing disconnections multiple times a year.
In the Northern Territory alone, some homes reported being cut off as many as 59 times annually, with similar figures found in Western Australia and South Australia. It’s not just an inconvenience — it’s a threat to safety and well-being, especially during extreme weather. When temperatures soar above 39.5°C, disconnections double, leaving people vulnerable to heatstroke and other health risks.
The Unseen Struggle
Imagine this: a couple in a remote community near Alice Springs is forced to walk six hours just to top up their power, so their insulin can be refrigerated. It’s heartbreaking. The inability to stay connected to electricity impacts much more than just comfort. Without cooling systems, fridges stop working, and vital medical supplies go bad.
Families are left without air-conditioning during the brutal heat, and the debt from frequent disconnections keeps piling up. For many, access to power means the difference between survival and struggle. The report emphasizes that these constant power cuts undermine health, limit economic participation, and erode dignity.
As one resident said to ABC, “Kids cry, it’s so hot, we turn on the tap to wet ourselves all day.” It’s a chilling reality for families who have little choice but to endure.
What’s Behind the Power Struggles?
So, what’s causing this crisis? A lot of it comes down to the prepaid electricity model, where households pay upfront for their power. If the credit runs out, the lights go out. But that’s not the only issue. Many First Nations communities don’t have reliable access to phones or internet, meaning they often have to travel long distances just to add more credit — if they can afford it.
And with extreme temperatures pushing up demand for cooling, power cuts during heatwaves are all the more dangerous. What’s worse, some electricity retailers fail to collect sufficient data on their prepaid customers, which means households in financial hardship often miss out on essential support. In short, these communities are trapped in a cycle of disconnection, often without the means or opportunity to escape.
A Way Forward?
The good news is that there are solutions — but the changes need to happen now. The report calls for urgent reforms, including creating a priority services register to protect vulnerable households from disconnections during extreme weather. It also recommends improving access to renewable energy, offering discounted tariffs for those on prepaid plans, and ensuring that prepaid customers receive the same hardship protections as regular customers.
Additionally, better data collection by retailers can help identify families at risk and ensure they get the support they need. For communities already struggling, these changes can’t come soon enough. The report makes it clear that equitable access to electricity is not just an issue of infrastructure — it’s a matter of basic human rights, dignity, and equality.
Looking ahead, the need for action is clear. As summer looms and the pressure on already-strained energy systems increases, now is the time to act. First Nations communities deserve more than just electricity; they deserve the right to live with dignity and security.
