Pakenham's network and homes
AusNet's growing south-east
AusNet's Pakenham zone substation supplies about 16,619 mostly residential customers. AusNet plans a new zone substation south of town for the industrial and residential growth it expects over the next 5 to 10 years.
A summer squeeze
The 66 kV loop linking AusNet's Narre Warren, Pakenham, Officer and Berwick North substations supplies over 114,000 customers, and AusNet reports energy at risk on it from December to March.
Decades in a growth corridor
Pakenham has been part of a planned growth corridor since the late 1960s. The Housing Commission built an estate, more housing went north of town by the 1990s, and newer estates include Lakeside, Heritage Springs and Cardinia Lakes. In 2021, 86.4% of homes were separate houses.
Big houses, big loads
At the 2021 Census, 42.0% of Pakenham homes had four or more bedrooms and 46.3% were owned with a mortgage. Large homes mean more air conditioning, more circuits and, increasingly, a car to charge.
When the power goes out in Pakenham
Look down the street
If the neighbours are dark too, it's AusNet's job. Call 13 17 99 or check its Outage Tracker for planned and unplanned outages.
Keep clear of fallen lines
Energy Safe Victoria says to stay more than 8 to 10 metres away and report it. Call 000 if anyone's in danger.
Only your house?
Try the safety switch once. If it trips again straight away, leave it off and call an electrician.
Life support at home
AusNet runs a separate priority line, 1800 818 832, for customers who rely on life support equipment.
After water gets in
Leave anything that's been wet switched off until a licensed electrician has checked it. For storm damage, call the SES on 132 500.
The other jobs Pakenham homeowners ask about
EV chargers lead in the newer estates. Solar Victoria says any electrician can install one, but it's best to choose someone who does them regularly. Whether your board has space for another circuit is the first thing they'll check. Our page on EV charger installation in Melbourne covers the rest.
After a big blow, the work shifts to storm damage: water in outdoor power points and lights, and circuits that won't stay on.
What we'd do in Pakenham
Before next summer, we'd save AusNet's faults number in your phone and make sure everyone at home knows where the main switch is. If an EV charger or a battery is on the list, we'd have an electrician confirm the board's spare capacity first, so it's one job rather than two.
Want a specialist to sort it?
Tell us the job and your postcode. We match the licence-checked local electrician who does this kind of work, and they call you. No ring-around, and your number goes to them alone.