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Western Power Distribution: power cuts & connections

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Western Power logo

Western Power Distribution is one of the UK’s seven distribution network operators for electricity. Read on to learn more about the distribution company and what all it has to offer.

About Western Power Distribution

Western Power Distribution (WPD) operates the electricity distribution network for Wales, the Midlands and South West England. The distribution company delivers electricity to over 7.9 million customers across its network, which covers more than 55,500 square kilometres.

The company owns and operates over 200,000 kilometres of overhead lines and underground cables and has around 185,000 substations.

In the map below, you can see the area (in the lightest blue colour) to which Western Power Distribution delivers electricity.

map of gas distribution network

Who owns Western Power Distribution?

Western Power Distribution is a subsidiary of PPL Global. The parent company was founded in 2000 and is based in Allentown, Pennsylvania. It invests in utility companies across the United States and Great Britain.

Who is my supplier?

If you’re looking for your electricity supplier, it’s not Western Power Distribution. Your electricity supplier is the company that you pay your bills to. The supplier then pays the distributor to use the network to deliver the electricity supply to your home or business.

Power cut

Are you experiencing a power cut? If you are, you should contact Western Power Distribution to report it. You can contact the distribution company by calling either 0800 6783 105 or 105. These are both free phone numbers. The distributor will aim to restore the electricity supply to the area as soon as possible.

In the case of a power cut, we recommend you take the following action:

  • Check the street lights or ask your neighbours to see if the issue is affecting other areas besides just your property.

  • Go to your fuse box and make sure that the trip switch is turned on. If it’s not, turn off all appliances and then attempt to reset the switch.

  • Turn off any computers, digital media devices and other sensitive equipment.

  • Don’t open your freezer. Depending on the type, some freezers can remain cold for up to 12 hours if they remain unopened. If your food spoils, you may be able to claim the contents on your home insurance!

  • If possible, check on your vulnerable neighbours to make sure that they are warm and that any medical equipment is working.

Power cut map

lightning bolts

You can access the live power cut map on Western Power Distribution’s website for information on power cuts in your area. To access the power cut map, go to the distributor’s homepage and click on where it says Power cuts in the upper left corner. Scroll down until you see Live power cuts map on the left-hand side, and click on Find out more.

You can either zoom in on the map to your location, or you can enter your postcode in the box that says Your postcode. You will be given up-to-date information about the power cut in the area. If it has not yet been reported, you should contact Western Power Distribution to report the power outage.

Connection services

If you’re interested in either connecting a property (or properties) to the electricity network or modifying an existing connection, you can apply online via the Western Power Distribution website. It should only take you about 15 minutes to complete the application form.

To access an application, go to the distributor’s homepage. Click on where it says Connections and then select Apply Online. In addition to providing property and contact details, you will also need to include a layout plan that shows the ownership and boundaries of the site where the connection will either be made or altered.

For large or complex connections, you must book an appointment with a design engineer before applying for a connection or a modification.

In the table below, you will find information regarding the time it takes to get a quote and get connected, as well as the average price for the required service.

Once you get your quote, you must make the payment before any work can commence.

Connection type Average time to get a quote Average price Average time to get connected after you pay
1 standard domestic Four days £2,000 Four weeks
2 to 4 standard domestic Five days £5,000 Five weeks
More than 4 domestic connections Seven days £15,000 Six weeks
Typical small business Five days £4,000 Five weeks
Multiple small businesses Eight days £12,000 Six weeks
Typical large business Eight days £65,000 Fourteen weeks
Extra high voltage Fifty days Price on request Two years
Unmetered new connection Seven days £2,417 Five weeks
Service alteration One day £995 Four weeks

Once the power connection is made, you will then need to register with a licensed electricity supplier. Before choosing just any supplier, we recommend that you do a bit of research to make sure that you choose the best supplier for your home or business.

Check out the following guides to help you decide which electricity supplier to choose:

Contact Western Power Distribution

There are quite a few different ways for you to get in touch with Western Power Distribution. We break down the best ways for you to contact the company below.

WPD contact phone numbers: a quick reference table

Refer to the table below to find the best number for you to dial based on your query.

SGN gas network contact numbers
Department Phone number Opening hours
Power cut 0800 6783 105 or 105 24/7
General enquiry line 0800 096 3080 Monday to Friday: 8am-5pm
Electrical connections 0800 096 3080 Monday to Friday: 8am-5pm
Priority Services Register 0800 096 3080 Monday to Friday: 8am-5pm
Energy Ombudsman 0330 440 1624 Monday to Friday: 8am-8pm, Saturday: 8am-4pm

Emergency information

In the case of an electrical emergency or a power cut, you should contact Western Power Distribution by dialling either 0800 6783 105 or 105 immediately.

Customer service

phone

For general enquiries, the quickest way to get in touch with a representative is via the company’s live chat service. You can access the live chat on the company’s website. Click on the purple icon in the bottom right corner of the homepage that says Chat with WPD to start the conversation. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you prefer to contact Western Power Distribution by phone, you should call the general enquiry line on 0800 096 3080. Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.

You can also fill out an online contact form on the Western Power Distribution website. To access the contact form, go to the distributor’s homepage and click on Contact us in the upper left corner of the screen. Click on Find out more under where it says General contact enquiries, and then scroll down to the form.

You will need to fill out your name, phone number, correspondence address, postcode and email address. You will also need to select the enquiry topic from the drop-down menu and include details about your enquiry. Don’t forget to click submit after filling everything out. A representative will aim to get back to you within two working days.

Residents can also reach out to Western Power Distribution via Facebook and Twitter (@wpduk).

Western Power Distribution address

Western Power Distribution’s main office is located in Bristol. If you wish to write a letter to the company, you should address it Western Power Distribution, Avonbank, Feeder Rd, Bristol BS2 0TB.

Priority Services Register

The Priority Services Register (PSR) helps Western Power Distribution to look after customers who may need extra help. It’s especially helpful for the elderly, ill and disabled, as well as for individuals who rely on electricity for medical equipment. The service is free to join and provides customers with the following benefits:

  • A direct phone number to call in the event of a power outage
  • Updates regarding unplanned power cuts in your area
  • Additional help from the British Red Cross (if needed)
  • Updates about planned interruptions to your electricity supply
  • An agreed password that will be used before visits to help you feel safe

You can register for the Priority Services Register either on the Western Power Distribution website or by calling the general enquiry line on 0800 096 3080.

Wayleave payment rates

You may be entitled to a Western Power Distribution wayleave payment if electrical equipment, such as poles and substations, are on your private land. This is because the distributor is ‘renting’ space on your property.

The payments are made up of two parts: owner payments and occupier payments. If you occupy and own the property, you will receive both. The wayleave payment rates range from just £1.53 (for when pole lines cross the property) to £292.38 (for when large towers are on the property and you’re both the owner and the occupier).

If you think you’re entitled to compensation, contact the Wayleave Records Team on one of the phone numbers outlined below:

WPD Wayleave Payments
Location Contact phone number
Midlands Wayleave Records 0133 282 7009
South West Wayleave Records 0120 889 2199
South Wales Wayleave Records 0292 053 5620

Jobs & apprenticeships

Are you interested in applying for a job or an apprenticeship at Western Power Distribution? The distributor employs around 6,500 staff and offers a variety of both operational and non-operational positions.

You can find current job openings on the Western Power Distribution website. Go to the distributor’s homepage and click on Careers at the top of the page. Scroll down to where it says Our vacancies and click on Find out more.

The services and products mentioned on this website may only represent a small selection of the options available to you. Selectra encourages you to carry out your own research and seek advice if necessary before making any decisions. We may receive commission from selected partner providers on sales of some products and/or services mentioned within this website. Our website is free to use, and the commission we receive does not affect our opinion or the information we provide.

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