Power cut help

Who do I call in a power cut?

Enter a UK postcode to find the network operator that fixes power cuts in that area — it is not your energy supplier.

Try:

Results are matched by postcode area and are correct for the large majority of addresses. Network boundaries do not follow postcode lines exactly, so near a boundary the operator can differ. For a guaranteed answer, call 105 — it connects you to the right operator wherever you are in England, Scotland and Wales.

Right now

Call 105 for any power cut

It works from a landline or a mobile, free, 24 hours a day. The line knows where you are and forwards you to your local distribution network operator. If you can see a downed wire, sparking equipment or there is a risk to life, also call 999 and stay at least 25 metres clear.

Call 105

Interactive: power cut decision tree

Answer one question at a time. The tool gives you the next concrete step, not a generic checklist.

The first 10 minutes: what to do, in order

Most domestic power-related calls are resolved with one of these five steps. Run through them top to bottom.

  1. 1

    Look outside

    Street lights, neighbouring windows, traffic signals. If the whole street is dark, it is the network. If only your home is off, the fuse box is the next step.

  2. 2

    Check the consumer unit

    Open the fuse box. Any switch in the "off" position has tripped. Unplug high-load appliances, then flip it back up. If it trips again, leave it off and call an electrician.

  3. 3

    If it is the network, call 105

    Free, 24/7, from any landline or mobile. The line forwards to your local DNO and they will give you an estimated time of restoration.

  4. 4

    Switch off sensitive appliances

    Turn off the cooker, microwave, washing machine, computers and game consoles at the wall. When power returns, a sudden surge can damage anything you forgot to unplug. Leave one light on so you can tell when it comes back.

  5. 5

    Note the time

    Write down the time the power went off. If the outage drags on past Ofgem's thresholds you may be entitled to a payment, and your DNO will reference the time the fault was first reported.

While you wait: keep food, warmth and phones safe

A few practical habits that buy you time.

Keep the fridge and freezer closed

A full freezer stays safe for around 24 hours, a fridge for around 4 hours, but only if the door stays shut. Plan one fetch, then leave them.

Stay warm without electrics

Blankets, jumpers, hats. Avoid open flames indoors. Many gas boilers stop working without mains electricity (the pump and the timer both need power), so do not assume gas central heating still works.

Conserve phone battery

Drop your phone to low-power mode, dim the screen, and avoid streaming. A car can charge phones if you really need to. If you have a power bank, keep it for an emergency call rather than entertainment.

Skip the candles

House fires during outages are heavily over-represented from candles. Use torches and rechargeable lanterns instead. Most modern phones have a built-in torch.

Check on vulnerable neighbours

Older people and those on home medical equipment are at much higher risk. A quick knock on the door takes a minute and may matter a lot. If they are not on the Priority Services Register, suggest they sign up.

Cash and ATMs

Card terminals and many ATMs go down in an outage. If the cut is widespread, a small amount of cash can buy fuel, food and basics until services come back.

Compensation: how long is too long, and who pays

Ofgem sets Guaranteed Standards of Performance. If your power is off for longer than the threshold (and longer thresholds apply during severe weather), the DNO has to pay. Three things to know:

Time threshold matters

The thresholds are set in hours and depend on whether the day was classed as severe weather. Ofgem publishes the current limits on its website.

Your DNO pays, not your supplier

The DNO is liable for the outage, so the DNO sends the payment. Many DNOs pay automatically. Some require you to claim within 30 days of restoration.

Record the time

If you have to claim, the date, start time and end time matter. Note them in your phone the moment the power goes off, and again when it returns. Your 105 call ID also helps your DNO trace the fault.

Be ready: a no-fuss outage kit

You do not need a doomsday cellar. A few items stored in one place mean the next outage is a small inconvenience instead of a scramble.

Torches

A head torch is best, leaves your hands free. Keep a spare set of batteries in the same box.

Power bank

A 10,000 mAh power bank charges a modern phone two to three times. Keep it charged: most are flat by the time you need them.

Battery radio

In a widespread outage your local BBC station will broadcast updates. A small wind-up or battery radio works when phone networks are overloaded.

Cash and water

Twenty pounds in cash and a few litres of bottled water. Card terminals and pumps often stop in an outage. Long outages can affect mains-water pressure.

Power cuts by country: choose yours

The 105 line covers all of Great Britain, but the network operator, weather pattern and county breakdown change between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Pick yours to see the right emergency contact and the regional guide.

Population

Counties

DNOs

Weather pattern

Emergency fault line

Network operators in

Power cut: frequently asked questions

Dial 105 from any landline or mobile, free, 24/7. The 105 line is operated jointly by the UK's electricity distribution network operators (DNOs). It uses the number you call from to route you to the right DNO for your area. You do not need to know which DNO covers your postcode.

Look outside: street lights, neighbouring windows, traffic lights. If everyone is dark, it is a network fault and 105 is the right call. If only your home is off, check your fuse box (consumer unit) first. A single appliance can trip the residual current device (RCD) and cut the whole house. Reset the switch and the power often comes back instantly.

Often yes. Ofgem sets guaranteed standards of performance: if a power cut leaves you off for more than a defined number of hours (longer thresholds apply during severe weather), the DNO has to pay you. Payments are normally automatic from your DNO, not your supplier. If nothing has arrived within a few weeks, write to your DNO with the date, time and a postcode reference.

Try not to. A closed full freezer keeps food safe for around 24 hours, a fridge for around 4 hours, if the door stays shut. Every door opening lets cold air out and warm air in. Plan one quick fetch, then leave it closed until the power is back. If the outage runs much beyond a day, check freezer items for ice crystals: if they have fully thawed, do not refreeze meat or fish.

A free Ofgem-mandated list of customers who need extra help in an outage: older people, those with young children, anyone reliant on home dialysis, oxygen or other powered medical equipment, or with a long-term illness. If you sign up, your DNO will know to phone you with progress and, in long outages, deliver hot meals or alternative heating. Register through your energy supplier or directly with your DNO. It is free and there is no income test.