Make sure you're prepared

Power cuts do happen from time to time, often due to circumstances beyond our control. So we recommend that you are prepared.

• Keep a torch handy. Avoid using candles and paraffin heaters.
• Keep a wind-up/battery/solar radio ready so you can listen to local radio updates.
• Many modern telephones, especially digital or cordless ones don't work in a power cut. Keep an ordinary analogue one handy.
• Protect sensitive electrical equipment such as computers with a surge protector plug.
• If you have a mains operated stair lift, check to see if there is a manual release handle that can be used to return the stair lift safely to ground level if it stops working.

What to do during a power cut

• Check to see if your neighbours are affected. If not, the problem could be with your fuses.
• Check your trip switch is in the 'on' position. If your trip switch has operated, switch off all your appliances and try to reset the trip.
• If the trip switch has not operated, and you can find no other reason, please let us know using the numbers below.
• Turn off any sensitive equipment such as computers or faxes.
• Keep your freezer shut - depending on the type of freezer you have, the contents could stay frozen for up to 12 hours. You may be able to claim for spoilt freezer contents on your home insurance.
• During bad weather, for technical reasons, we can't restore supply to just your property. We aim to restore supplies to everyone as quickly as we can. If you are having difficulties, please call us - we have arrangements the British Red Cross to provide assistance to vulnerable customers.
• If you have no gas for cooking, your neighbours may be able to help with warm drinks and hot food. If possible warm baby bottles and food with hot water.
• If you are suffering from serious health problems please call the NHS Direct Helpline on 111. In an emergency, please contact your local hospital.

Please click here for our Homeowner useful information leaflet.

Information for resilience partners

Please click here for more information about how we plan for, and respond to major incidents.

Contacting us to report a power cut

Don't assume that we know you have no power. Please ring us as soon as possible. If we already know about the problem, we should be able to tell you when we expect your electricity to be restored. Please call us on:

0800 6783 105

Calling from a mobile?

(Text phone users can dial 18001 before any of the numbers above to use Text Relay to access the service).

Safety first - fallen power lines

• Stay away from fallen overhead power lines and keep others away too. Call the Police if a road or path is blocked.
• Always assume that a fallen overhead line is live and call us immediately to report it.
• Be careful when clearing fallen branches or debris from your property after severe weather. Keep away from anything that may be touching overhead lines.

Safety first - Carbon monoxide

Never use a portable generator or barbeque indoors. They give out invisible and odourless carbon monoxide gas which can kill you in minutes. 

For more information please see www.co-gassafety.co.uk/about-co/prevention 

Your Power Supply information 

Please click here for information on disturbances to your electrical equipment and supply.

Please click here for information on planned interruptions to your electricity supply or see the video below:

Please click here for helpful advice on flooding and your power supply or visit the Environment agency for more details by clicking here.

Please click here for helpful advice on what to do if there is a power cut.