Power Failure

Call 105 if you are experiencing a power cut.

• Step 1 - Stay Aware of the Situation
• Step 2 - Be Prepared
• Call 105 if you have a power cut
• External Guidance: UK Power Networks
• Sign Up for Extra Support during a Power Cut with UK Power Networks

Many of our daily activities rely on electricity, therefore a power failure can cause disruption.
The majority of the time a power outage will be rectified in a matter of minutes, however, there is a small possibility of it lasting much longer.
In the event of the latter, you will find yourself without many of the basic amenities you rely on, such as central heating or running water.
Power outages will often occur with little or no warning, therefore it is important to take steps beforehand to be prepared.

Step 1 - Stay Aware of the Situation

Staying informed in a power cut offers a challenge. However, you could:

• Consider keeping a battery-powered or wind-up radio to stay informed
• The National Grid website (external link) and,
• UK Power Networks - Power Cuts (external link) will provide updates on the status of local power failures - you can use a smartphone or laptop to access this during a power cut

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Step 2 - Be Prepared

• Consider purchasing an old-style plug-in phone which doesn’t rely on an electricity supply
• Consider purchasing a heating source that doesn’t rely on electricity
• Keep bottled water in case your water supply is disrupted
• Keep a torch in an easily accessible location
• In the event of a power cut:
  • Turn off all appliances to avoid damage from power surges
  • Check with neighbours to ensure the power outage isn’t contained to only your home. If it is common to several properties, notify your local electrical supplier if possible
  • Try to avoid opening your fridge/freezer. A closed freezer may keep food frozen for up to 24 hours if left unopened
  • Candles are not advised due to fire risk - seek out safer battery-powered alternatives
• If a power outage is expected to last for an extended period, you may be required to evacuate your home. Prepare a grab bag in advance for use in the event of an evacuation
• Check on vulnerable neighbours and make sure they are okay and have sufficient supplies/resources to cope

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Call 105 if you have a power cut

Call the national phone number '105' if you have a power cut. This is the number to call should you need to report or get information about a power cut in your area. 

Key points to note about this service are:

• 105 is a free service for people in England, Scotland and Wales
• Dialling 105 will put customers through to their local electricity network operator - the company that manages the cables, power lines and substations that deliver electricity into homes and businesses in their area
• 105 is just one of the ways that customers can contact their electricity network operator. They can also contact them by phone or via their website, and most network operators are on social media too
• Customers can call 105 no matter who they choose to buy electricity from
• Customers can also call 105 if they spot damage to electricity power lines and substations that could put anyone in danger. If there’s a serious immediate risk, they should call the emergency services too

For more information on 105 visit UK Power Networks page (external link).

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External Guidance: UK Power Networks

Power cut? Contact UK Power Networks 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

• View a live power cut map or report a power cut on the UK Power Networks website (external link)
• Receive updates: text POWER and your postcode to 80876
• Call 105
• For advice about what to do during a power cut, see the UK Power Networks website - Power Cuts (external link)

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Sign Up for Extra Support during a Power Cut with UK Power Networks

Need extra support during a power cut or know someone else (maybe a relative, neighbour, patient or friend) that would need extra support during a power cut? You may be entitled to free extra support from UK Power Networks.

Who can sign up?

You need to live in London, the South East of England or the East of England. You can find out whether you live in an area where UK Power Networks own and maintain the electricity cables by visiting the UK Power Networks areas covered website (external link) and typing in your postcode.

If you live in a UK Power Networks area then the following may apply:

• Customers who are dependent on medical equipment
• Customers who are chronically sick
• Customers with a disability
• Customers who are blind or visually impaired
• Customers with young babies
• Elderly customers
• A nursing or residential home
• Other cases will be considered too so please get in touch

What support can you get?

This doesn’t necessarily mean we can get your power back on more quickly but you will receive:

• A priority phone number that you can call 24 hours a day if you have a power cut
• A welcome pack with useful advice about preparing for a power cut
• Regular text message or phone updates during a power cut

How to apply

• Sign up now online (external link)
• Email: psr@ukpowernetworks.co.uk
• Call 0800 169 9970
• Download the extra support application form (external link)
• Priority Services Coordinator
  UK Power Networks
  Fore Hamlet
  Ipswich
  IP3 8AA

Who are UK Power Networks?

UK Power Networks own and maintain electricity cables and lines across London, the South East and East of England, making sure your lights stay on. You don’t pay your electricity bills to UK Power Networks. Your electricity supplier is the company you choose to buy your electricity from, and who you pay your bills to.

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