Loss of supply
Have a question about loss of supply? The chances are you’ll find the answer here.
- My power has gone off. How do I find out if there is a power cut in my area?
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There is an emergency number that can be found at the top of your bill.
- Why do I have dips in my voltage?
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A temporary drop in voltage is what we refer to as a ‘dip’. If a fault occurs, your volts may go down at that moment or often when the local distribution company is restoring power to other customers.
It may cause the symptoms described below:
• Noticed your lights dim briefly.
• Seen your TV picture change size or shape momentarily.
• Had to reset a clock or video. - Why do I have short power cuts?
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A short power cut is a break in supply that lasts for a few seconds. They are common in areas supplied by overhead lines and are often caused by animals, wind-borne debris or lightning.
- Why do I have a power cut when the weather is fine?
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The weather only causes around 40% of annual power cuts which is why you could lose supply at any time of the year. Often other companies damage the underground and overhead cables, but this can also be caused by trees, falling branches and, in some instances, animals.
- Why does my neighbour have power while mine is off?
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It is quite normal for you to receive your electricity supply from a different cable to the one supplying your immediate neighbour. There are fuses that protect each of the cables, so if one of those fuses blows, only the houses that receive their electricity supply from that cable will be without power.
It is also worth following the steps in the next question to check if it is just your home without power.
- The power has gone off in every room. Is there a power cut?
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Before calling our Emergency loss of supply number, please check the following:
• Have you checked the trip switches?
• Has everything gone off, or is it just the lights or appliances?
• Are there any street lights on outside?
• Have any of your neighbours got power?
• Have you got a pre-payment meter?If, having considered these questions you believe you have lost supply, please call our Emergency loss of supply number shown at the top of your bill.
- How do I take care of my tropical fish during a power cut?
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For insulation - wrap the tank in blankets or fill hot water bottles with warm water and place them around the outside of the tank.
To oxygenate the water – fish suppliers recommend an inexpensive bubble up filter that can be run off a battery-powered air pump, or you can use an ordinary bicycle pump at regular intervals. It is also advisable to disturb the water surface for 5 minutes each hour.
- What will happen to my freezer?
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The average household freezer will remain frozen for approximately 12-15 hours, provided the door remains closed. If the door is opened it allows hot air to enter and will defrost the freezer quicker. If the freezer is well stocked, this will also help to keep it frozen for longer.
- I have tried to call the power cut line but get a recorded message.
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Some power cuts can affect anything from a few hundred to a few thousand customers. In order to reduce the time you have to wait on the telephone, your local distribution company often sets a recorded message to all callers from the affected area. In the event of a power cut you should contact your local network operator. You will find the number to contact them on your latest electricity bill.
- I have called and been asked to check my Trip/Consumer Unit. What is this?
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This is a box containing fuses or breakers, which you may have heard referred to as your fusebox. Usually, you can restore power simply by flicking the switch back to the ‘on’ or ‘green’ position.