We’ve all been there: you’re boiling the kettle, watching TV, or working from home when the power unexpectedly cuts out. It’s frustrating, inconvenient, and sometimes worrying, especially if you don’t know how long it will last or who to alert.
If you’re not sure what to do in a power cut, don’t worry - we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we explain how to report a power cut, share tips for keeping your home and family safe during an outage, and provide tips so you can be better prepared for future power cuts.
Keep reading or jump to:
What to do if the power cut only affects your home
When to contact a professional electrician
How to prepare for future power cuts
How to report a power cut
If you experience an unexpected power cut, you should report it by calling 105 or visiting the 105 website. 105 is a power cut helpline covering England, Scotland and Wales, and is free to call.
The UK has several Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) who are responsible for overseeing power supply to different regions. 105 will connect you with your local DNO so you can report the problem.
The operator may ask for details like your postcode and address, when the power went out, and if you noticed unusual signs like flickering or noises before the outage. If the power cut has already been reported, you’ll probably be given an estimated restoration time.
If you’re the first to report the issue, engineers will be dispatched to investigate, and you’ll be updated accordingly.
Following reporting the issue, you may be able to stay up to date with progress via channels like your electricity supplier’s website, energy providers' social media pages, or your DNO’s website.
What to do if the power cut only affects your home
If you ring to report a power cut that only affects your property whilst your neighbours still have electricity, the process may look different. The operator will likely advise you to check your fuse box and reset any tripped switches or suggest testing for faulty appliances.
If your home is the only one affected, the problem is likely inside your property’s wiring. Since DNOs only manage external power lines, they won’t send an engineer to inspect internal electrical faults. Instead, they will advise you to contact a qualified electrician.
What to do in a power cut
When your power goes out, it's easy to panic and fear the worst. Knowing what to do in a power cut can help you stay safe and protect your property and possessions. Here are some steps to take in a power cut.
1. Check if it's just your home
Firstly, check if the power cut is widespread or only affects your home. This will decide which steps you need to take next. Here’s how to tell:
- Check your fuse box: If the handle is visibly in the ‘off’ position or between off and on, the circuit breaker has tripped. Try resetting it. If it trips again, you may have a faulty appliance or a wiring problem.
- Check the National Grid website: Enter your postcode into the National Grid power cut tracker to find out about planned or unplanned power cuts in your area.
- Check with your neighbours: If your neighbours have power, or if you can see streetlights and nearby buildings with lights on, it’s likely just your home.
2. Report the power cut or contact an electrician
If the power cut isn’t limited to your home, report it via 105, as per the steps in the previous section.
If the power cut is isolated to your home, you can still report it. However, the operator will likely advise you to contact an electrician, as the cause is probably related to your home’s internal wiring, not a network outage.
A qualified electrician can test your wiring, find the source of the problem, and restore electricity to your home. When you use our emergency call-out service, a NICEIC-certified electrician could be at your door in as little as 30 minutes to solve the issue.
3. Unplug appliances
Electrical surges during power cuts can damage digital devices like phones, TVs, laptops, and tablets. Make sure these are unplugged to keep them safe. Moreover, dangerous appliances like irons, electric heaters, and hair straighteners can pose a hazard if they’re switched on/plugged in when the power comes back on.
4. Use torches and battery-powered lights
Use battery-powered lights and torches to navigate your home and make it feel more comfortable. Avoid using your phone torch, as this can drain the battery, and you might not be able to charge devices for a while. Avoid using candles, too, as these can pose a fire risk.
5. Protect food
According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), food in a fridge will stay safe for about four hours without power, while a full freezer will hold a safe temperature for approximately 48 hours (or 24 hours if half full) if the door remains closed. Add a blanket over the appliance for an extra layer of insulation.
When the power returns, check each item for unusual smells, paying particular attention to more high-risk foods like meat and dairy products.
6. Limit electronics use
It’s important to keep electronics like phones, laptops, and tablets charged so you can make calls in case of an emergency and receive updates about the power outage. Refrain from using devices unless you need to, and use battery backup chargers if you have them.
7. Keep warm
Most central heating systems will stop working in a power cut, so it’s important to keep warm, especially during winter. Wear thick clothes, use blankets, and keep doors shut to trap heat in.
Read our guide on how to keep your home warm in winter for more helpful tips on warming your home, even without central heating.
When to contact a professional electrician
If your power cut is only affecting your home and isn’t caused by a network outage, you may have an internal electrical fault that needs professional attention. You might be able to fix some issues yourself (see DIY vs. Professional: When to call an electrician), but others require the expertise of a qualified electrician.
Here’s when it is best to find and book a local electrician:
- Your fuse box keeps tripping: If your circuit breaker trips repeatedly, even after resetting it, there may be a faulty appliance or wiring issue. Try unplugging all appliances and resetting the breaker. If it still trips, it’s time to call an electrician.
- You have power in some rooms but not others: A partial power cut could indicate a fault in your wiring, sockets, or circuit breakers. An electrician can test your circuits and pinpoint the problem.
- You smell burning or see sparks: A burning smell, buzzing noises from sockets, or visible sparks are serious signs of an electrical fault. Turn off your power at the fuse box and contact an electrician immediately to prevent a fire hazard.
A JustFix electrician can get your power back up and running in no time. Our vetted, NICEIC-certified electricians are experienced in dealing with a variety of electrical faults safely and efficiently.
Download the app or use our website to tell us about the problem. Then, we’ll match you up with an experienced local electrician who can arrive in as little as 30 minutes. When it comes to pricing, we’ll never keep you in the dark: we quote a fixed hourly rate for the job so you can be sure of no nasty surprises when the lights come back on!
How to prepare for future power cuts
While you can’t always prevent power cuts, you can be prepared for them. Take these steps to prepare you for any planned or unplanned outages.
- Keep emergency supplies ready: Keep a torch and spare batteries, a fully charged power bank, and some warm clothes and blankets in an easily accessible place. It's also wise to invest in a few non-perishable food products that don’t need to be cooked in case of longer outages.
- Use surge protectors: Power surges when electricity is restored can damage electronics. Plug your devices into surge protectors to prevent this.
- Sign up for Priority Services: If you or someone in your home relies on electricity for medical reasons, sign up for the Priority Services Register with your energy supplier. This provides extra support during power cuts, including priority updates and emergency help.
- Know your emergency contacts: Keep a written list of important numbers, including:
- 105 (power cut helpline)
- Your electricity supplier’s emergency line
- Local council or support services for vulnerable residents
FAQs
How long do power cuts last?
The length of a power cut can vary depending on the cause. Most power cuts are resolved within a few hours, especially if they’re due to routine maintenance or minor faults. However, if the issue is caused by severe weather, equipment failure, or more complex problems, restoring power could take several hours or even a day.
When you report a power cut, your electricity network operator will often provide an estimated restoration time, and updates will usually be available via their helpline, website, or social media pages.
What causes power cuts?
Power cuts can have various causes, including bad weather, equipment failure, planned maintenance, and damage caused by trees, traffic, or construction work.
If the power outage is only in your home, it might be because of a tripped circuit breaker, a faulty appliance, or a wiring problem.
How long does a power cut have to last before I’m owed compensation?
If you experience a power cut, you may be entitled to compensation if it lasts for a certain amount of time. The compensation rules depend on your energy supplier and network operator.
Generally, you’re eligible for compensation if your power is out for over 12 hours. Then, if the power is out for 24 hours, you’ll likely be offered a higher amount. However, if the outage is due to severe weather or a major incident, compensation may vary. To claim compensation, you should contact your electricity supplier.
