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Emergency

Power cut

What to do during a local power cut in the UK: stay safe, keep warm, and get your supply back with one free phone call.

WHAT TO DO NOW

  1. 1Call 105 free from any phone to report the cut and reach your network operator.
  2. 2Check whether neighbours are affected — if only your home is dark, check your fuse box/trip switch.
  3. 3Turn off electrical appliances (especially cookers and heaters) at the socket to avoid a surge when power returns; leave one light on so you know when it's back.
  4. 4Keep fridge and freezer doors closed — food stays cold for hours.
  5. 5Use a torch rather than candles. Layer clothing and blankets to stay warm.
  6. 6Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours if it is safe to do so.

What not to do

  • Do not use candles near anything flammable or leave them unattended.
  • Do not use outdoor generators, BBQs or camping stoves indoors — carbon monoxide can kill.
  • Do not call 999 to report a power cut unless there is a threat to life.

What is it?

A power cut is a temporary loss of the electricity supply to your home, usually caused by faults, storms or planned network work.

What might happen?

Lights, heating, cooking, hot water, broadband, mobile signal boosters and medical equipment may stop working. Traffic lights and card payments in your area may be affected.

First 10 minutes

Call 105 (free) to report it. Check your trip switch. Switch off appliances. Find your torch and power bank.

First hour

Keep warm and hydrated. Keep the fridge/freezer shut. Charge nothing you don't need. If you rely on powered medical equipment, follow your supplier's back-up plan and contact them.

First 24 hours

If the cut is prolonged, your network operator (via 105) can advise and may offer support to vulnerable customers on the Priority Services Register.

If it continues for several days

For a widespread or national outage, see the National power outage guide. Register for the Priority Services Register in advance if anyone in your home is vulnerable.

Children

Keep children warm and reassured; keep a wind-up or battery torch to hand and make it into a normal, calm event.

Older & vulnerable people

Prioritise anyone dependent on electric medical equipment, heating or refrigerated medication. Sign up to the free Priority Services Register with your network operator and supplier.

Pets

Keep pets warm and indoors; ensure fish tanks and reptile heaters have a plan if the cut is long.

Communications

Mobile networks and broadband may fail. Keep a charged power bank and note that landline phones using broadband will not work without power.

Official sources

This guidance is an editorial explanation of official UK advice. Always follow instructions from the authorities.

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