Prepaid electricity in remote Australia causes dangerous outages during heatwaves, affecting thousands of Indigenous households.

Prepaid electricity systems in remote Australian communities are causing frequent power outages during extreme heat, affecting thousands of Indigenous households across the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, and Queensland. A report found over 440,000 disconnections in the past year, with outages rising sharply above 39.5°C, endangering health by disrupting cooling, refrigeration, and medical equipment. Many residents spend over $2,500 annually—some more than $4,000—on electricity, often delaying top-ups until payday, increasing risks during family visits. Experts and advocates urge government action, including safety nets during heatwaves, improved retailer reporting, expanded renewable energy access, and standardized hardship support to ensure reliable, affordable power for vulnerable populations.