There are some simple measures we can all do in the case of a power cut
What to do if you have no power
If you have a power cut, please check the following before contacting the National Grid on 105:
- Are your neighbours' lights on?
- Check your trip switch is in the 'on' position.
- If your trip switch is in the 'off' position, switch off all your appliances and try to reset your trip switch.
- If you have a key meter and the display is lit up, contact your supplier
Tips
- Leave a light switched on so you know when the power returns.
- Limit the use of your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to save battery power.
- Keep your freezer shut - the contents can stay frozen for up to 12 hours depending on the type of freezer you have.
- Turn off and unplug any sensitive equipment such as TVs, computers or solar panels.
- Turn off and unplug any appliances that get hot, as you may forget they are switched on when power returns
Be prepared
- Keep wind-up/battery/solar powered torches ready. Don't use candles or paraffin heaters.
- Keep a wind-up/battery/solar radio ready.
- Protect sensitive electrical equipment such as computers or medical equipment with a surge protector plug or an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).
- Keep a battery/solar charger handy so that you can recharge your smart phone or tablet and follow updates on social media and our online power cut map.
- If you or a member of your family has a serious health problem, ensure you have plans in place for a long power cut. Make sure any medical equipment has a battery back-up.
- Many modern telephones, especially digital or cordless ones, won't work in a power cut. Keep an old analogue phone to use or keep your mobile to hand.
- If you have a mains-operated stair lift, check to see if there is a manual release handle that can be used to return the stair lift safely to ground level if it stops working. Many stair lifts have battery back-up. If yours does not, it may be possible to get one fitted. Contact the manufacturer for details
How to contact National Grid
Contact National Grid's free emergency service 24 hours/7 days a week to:
- Tell them you have no power.
- Find out the latest information about power cuts in your area.
- Tell them if equipment has been damaged as this could be dangerous
Don't assume that National Grid knows you have no power. Please contact them as soon as possible.
- Telephone: 105 or 0800 6783 105
