105
Free national fault line
Free, 24/7
32
counties & areas
covered by this guide
2
DNOs
operating in Scotland
up to £150+
Compensation
for cuts over 24h
Live outage map for Scotland
The map below shows incidents reported by users in real time across the UK, centred on Scotland. Scotland sees the UK's longest outages because Atlantic depressions hit the West Coast and Hebrides first, snow-laden gales bring down overhead lines on the Cairngorms, and islands like Shetland and the Western Isles depend on long, exposed sub-sea and overhead links. SSEN routinely declares severe-weather events that trigger higher Ofgem compensation thresholds.
Live Power Outages in the UK
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Report a power cut in Scotland
Use the form below to log a power cut in seconds. Each report helps neighbours across Scotland stay informed and lets the DNO spot incidents faster, especially where vulnerable customers or medical equipment depend on the supply. For the official network log, also call 105 (Free national fault line) or use your DNO's outage page.
Reports are anonymous and appear immediately on the live UK map above.
Thank you. Your report has been submitted and will help others in your area.
Reports are anonymous. We use your address to place the marker on the map and never display your personal details.
Distribution Network Operators in Scotland
Whichever supplier you buy your electricity from, the wires and substations in front of your home belong to one of the operators below. They are the only party that can fix a network fault, and the only party that pays Ofgem compensation when a long cut breaches the Guaranteed Standards of Performance.
SP Energy Networks
Covers central belt, Lothians, Ayrshire, Fife, Borders and Dumfries & Galloway.
Operator guideSSEN
Covers Highlands, Aberdeen, Tayside, Argyll, Moray, Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles.
Operator guideFind your county in Scotland
32 council areas and ceremonial counties · search by name or filter by your DNO.
No counties match your search.
What to do during a power cut in Scotland
Check if it is just you
Look at neighbours and the street lights. If only your home is dark, check the consumer unit and reset any tripped switches. If the whole street is out, it is a network fault.
Call 105
Dial 105 — free, 24/7. Have your postcode ready. Ask for an estimated time of restoration (ETR) and a fault reference number.
Unplug electronics
Unplug TVs, computers, routers and games consoles to protect them from a power-surge when supply is restored. Leave one light on so you can tell when the power comes back.
Log the times
Note the exact start and end times. A cut over 24 hours in normal weather entitles you to £75 from your DNO under Ofgem's Guaranteed Standards. Severe weather has higher thresholds and a £2,000 cap.
The Selectra expert answers your questions on power cuts in Scotland
Dial 105 (Free national fault line). It is free, 24/7 and routes you automatically to the right Distribution Network Operator for your postcode. Do not call your supplier (Octopus, British Gas, EDF…), they cannot fix a fault on the network.
Scotland's grid is split between just two operators: SP Energy Networks runs the densely populated central belt (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Ayrshire, Fife) and the southern uplands, while SSEN runs everything north of the central belt plus all the islands. Both share the same emergency number (105) and the same Ofgem compensation rules as England and Wales. Use the map and county finder below to identify your operator, or call 105 (or 03457 643 643 in Northern Ireland) and we will route you automatically.
Most cuts are restored within 1 to 3 hours. Rural single-feeder spurs can take 6 to 24 hours after major storms. Severe-weather events (Storm Arwen, Storm Babet) have caused multi-day cuts in remote Scotland areas — these qualify for higher Ofgem compensation payments.
Yes, in most cases. Under Ofgem's Guaranteed Standards of Performance (GSOP), domestic customers receive £75 after 24h off in normal weather, then £40 per additional 12h up to £300. Severe-weather events have higher thresholds and a £2,000 cap. Payment is normally automatic from your DNO within 10 working days.
Join the Priority Services Register through your supplier. It is free and entitles you to advance notice of planned cuts, priority restoration, welfare calls and tailored support during outages. Anyone over 65, with a disability, on dialysis or oxygen, or with young children at home is eligible.
Power cuts elsewhere in the UK
Different country, same DNO model — pick a region.