We've pulled all the information together you'll need into one place. Find out about
- Why do power cuts happen
- How to check power cuts in your area
- What to do if you experience a power cut
- What to do if there is a nationwide emergency power cut
Why do power cuts happen?
Like the railways, the UK has energy suppliers like us who supply the energy to customers and businesses. Then there are the Network Distribution Operators who own, maintain and operate the pipes and cables which transport your electricity to you. You can find out who your Network Distribution Operator is through the Energy Networks Association website.
As with anything, the operators work hard to maintain these systems and react when there is a power cut in their area. Power cuts can sometimes happen and are usually caused by one of the following reasons;
- Acts of nature – including storms which can cause lightning strikes, flooding and fallen trees. These can all cause damage to cables and equipment
- Accidents – we're all human, so damage to cables can come from contractors or even from people digging in their gardens and hitting a cable
- Fire or theft – which damages the equipment on the network or in substations
- Voltage dips and short power cuts can also happen – particularly in rural areas where overhead lines are more likely to get hit by flying birds
How do I know if there is a power cut in my area?
If there is a planned power cut in your region, the Network Distribution Operator will contact you to let you know. However, there will be times when this is more difficult due to unforeseen issues that can happen.
You can also sometimes track power cuts in your area through your Network Distribution Operators' website. Find out who your operator is and track power cuts in your area.
If you need to report a power cut, you can do this easily by calling the emergency number 105. It's free of charge to contact and will put you through to your local network operator, who can give you help and advice.
You can find more info on the 105 website.
Can I claim for any power cuts?
This will all depend on why the power cut happened, how you were informed, and how quickly power was restored. You'll need to contact your Network Distribution Operator and start the claim process through them.
How to stay safe through a power cut
Here are some practical tips on how to keep you and your family safe through a power cut and some things to do before one happens
Tips to help you plan for a power cut
- Keep a torch and batteries handy. A torch is much safer than using candles
- Keep your mobile phones and smart devices charged. If you still use an analogue phone, this should still work
- Get friends, family members or neighbours who rely on medical equipment added to the FREE Priority Services register. They can do this through their energy supplier or their Network Distribution Operator. If you're an EDF customer, you can sign up quickly
Register now for PSR
Tips to keep you safe during a power cut
- Turn off electrical and electronic items at the plug (if safe to do so) – you don't want a power surge to damage equipment when the electricity comes back on
- Stay away from any downed power lines outside – they could still be energised
- Keep an eye on frozen food – it might not be safe to refreeze defrosted food
Nationwide planned emergency power cuts due to power shortages
Sometimes it's necessary to carry out a process of emergency planned energy outages across the country. These are usually rare and are at specific times reacting to an emergency. Like water rationing, when there is a drought, the government will need to take action if there is less electricity available.
The action taken to manage this effectively is called the Rota Disconnection Schedule. The country is split into regions, and each area has its energy supply managed by a different Distribution Network Operator. You can easily find out who your network operator is.
If this happens, here's the critical information you need to know
- As this is carried out as a response to an emergency, you may not get much notice when this happens; typically, it can be as little as 48 hours. You'll probably first hear about it on the national news as an announcement by the government.
- Local and national TV, radio stations and news outlets will broadcast a schedule of disconnections, including details on which areas will be impacted, when, and for how long. If you can't find this information, this website address will keep you updated (it will only be live once a rota disconnection schedule starts) energyemergencies.org.uk, or you can call 08000 121 233 with your postcode to hand (Calls may be charged). Or you can text your postcode to 86633 (Texts may be charged).
- You can find out when you'll be impacted by checking the Rota Disconnection Schedule. Disconnections are carried out by group - your electricity supply is grouped with other properties in your area. Easily find your group at the top left of your energy bill. Look for a letter from A-Z next to your address in bold. Once you've found your rota disconnection letter, you can visit energyemergencies.org.uk to view the schedule.
- You shouldn't be without electricity for more than 3 hours at a time; however, this could be longer depending on the severity of the emergency. The Emergency Executive website will post regular updates when live - energyemergencies.co.uk. These events typically last for 3 hours at a time. However, this could be longer depending on the severity of the emergency, for which you'll get up to 48 hours notice.
Is anything being done to help stop planned power cuts from happening?
National Grid manages the network and distribution of energy in Great Britain and published its Winter Outlook report earlier this year. The report looks at different scenarios that could impact energy supply and demand this winter. To help reduce the risk of blackouts as much as possible, they've launched a scheme that incentivises customers to use less electricity at peak times when supplies are low. The scheme is called the Demand Flexibility Service. Find out more about how we're supporting this service.
Frequently asked questions about nationwide emergency power cuts
How do I find my rota disconnection code?
You can find your group in bold at the top left-hand side of your latest energy bill - you can access your bill in MyAccount or via the app if you don't get them through the post. Or you can go to www.energyenergencies.org.uk and search for your group using your postcode.
In this example, the rota disconnection is A
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