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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.