Code black: Darwin shuts down with epic blackout

SCHOOLS were shut down and local businesses and roads thrown into chaos as the city transformed into a ghost town. Residents were urged to "remain calm". So what caused all the drama?

A TRIPPED switch at Power and Water's Hudson Creek substation caused the electricity supply breakdown at 1.20am today - and had Territorians rushing to their phones to complain.

The Utilities Commission says on its website that people are entitled to credits on their power bill for outages, but Power and Water has not yet said if there will be any compensation for loss of material goods.

Businesses may be able to claim for a losses including spoiled food, equipment damage and business interruption, but they need to check with their insurer.

Schools, the public service, industry, local businesses and family arrangements were thrown into chaos after a problem at a substation stopped supply to Darwin and Palmerston and as far south as Katherine and Pine Creek.

Darwin, as seen from a high-rise in town, during the blackout. Picture: MIKE MOSEL

The real epidemic with the #darwin #blackout is I've only got an hour remaining on my laptop

— Jarryd Page (@jarrydpage) March 11, 2014

Wondering if @giveitaburl & @sitdowninfront require ration packs be sent. Darwin blackout now in eighth hour

— Margherita (@Margaret_B_) March 11, 2014

Traffic lights were out across the city, with police urging common sense on the roads.

Police have urged Darwin residents to use common sense on the roads after a blackout caused traffic lights to go out across the city.

NT Police were forced to divert traffic after traffic lights went out across the city.

In a statement issued just after 7am, the Department of the Chief Minister said: "Schools in the Greater Darwin Region affected by the overnight power outage will be closed today.

"Education staff who are school-based are being asked to report to their schools for an initial muster and to ensure that any students who arrive are properly supervised.

"Principals will direct staff and students as needed. If your child is already off to school, there will be supervision, but parents are requested to collect their children if that is possible.

"The school bus network will not operate today nor will the public bus network until further notice to ensure emergency personnel are focused on emergency operations.

Lunchtime rush: McDonalds Casuarina enjoys a roaring drive-through trade. Picture: LISA-MARIE STUBBS

"Anyone requiring urgent health service will be given priority access to bus services today.

"Children who are already on buses will be taken to their schools and the department of education will arrange on a case-by-case basis to get them home.

"Unless advised by their department, Territory public servants are encouraged to stay at home and await further advice on power restoration.

"The NT Public service has mobilised its emergency management protocols to ensure the community's safety."

The worst part about a blackout is not being able to see any giant bugs fly past because I'm sitting outside in the dark #darwin

— Jarryd Page (@jarrydpage) March 11, 2014

": Protection system triggered at Channel Island causing shutdown of transmission capacity. Crews working on it"@MattYoung

— Kristine  (@kristinepriore) March 11, 2014

Deputy Chief Minister Dave Tollner urged people to "remain calm".

"People need to stay calm ... and be careful on the roads as traffic lights are down across the city," Mr Tollner said.

The city of Darwin and suburban streets eerily resembled a ghost town this morning.

Some CBD hotels, including the Mantra Pandanas, were evacuated.

The airport and hospital were operating as normal.

Most petrol stations were closed as Darwin lost power.

ABC Darwin was affected by the outage and was unable to broadcast their local news bulletins, play music or access "critical systems".

Only Darwin Supreme Court and Magistrates Court are affected, with all other courts sitting as normal. For people who are bailed to appear in court today, their bail has been extended to tomorrow.

Matt Tan was one of the many Darwin residents that woke to the dying sounds of his airconditioner in Coconut Grove, a northern suburb of Darwin, at approximately 1.30am.