If you have a power cut, you can follow this advice.
- Report the power cut on your local network operator's website. Enter your postcode at PowerCut105.com to find your local network operator's website. If you can't do this online, call 105 for free if you live in England, Scotland or Wales. In Northern Ireland, call 03457 643643. In the Republic of Ireland, call 1850 372 999.
- Follow your network operator on social media so you can find local updates. Social media and your local network operator’s website are the best places for key updates and restoration times in storms or emergencies. Enter your postcode at PowerCut105.com to find your local network operator's website and social media channels.
- Keep a mobile phone fully charged so you can use it to go online for updates or call if you have a power cut.
- Keep a torch handy in case you are without power during the night.
- Switch off all electrical appliances that shouldn’t be left unattended, ready for when the power comes back on.
- Leave a light on so you know when the power cut has been fixed.
- Check to see if your neighbours are safe and if they have a power cut too. If they have power, your trip switch may have activated.
- Ensure your household and your neighbours have warm clothes, blankets and food which doesn’t need heating accessible.
- Share this information with friends, family and neighbours.
If you want to know how to prepare for a power cut, you can visit our 'preparing for storms and bad weather' advice page.
Found a damaged power line or infrastructure?
- Keep as far away from the hazard as possible.
- Keep other people as far away from the hazard as possible, but don't put yourself in danger.
- Contact your network operator immediately. In Great Britain, call 105. In Northern Ireland, call 03457 643643. In the Republic of Ireland, call 1850 372 999.
- If there is an immediate risk to life or someone is in danger, dial 999.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I claim compensation?
You might be entitled to compensation if you have a power cut. Find out more at PowerCut105.com.
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How long will food in my fridge or freezer last in a power cut?
You may be concerned at this time about the food in your fridge and freezer. Food should keep for up to 4 hours in the fridge and between 24-48 hours in the freezer depending on how full it is. These timescales are estimates and will depend on a number of factors. Try to keep your fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible to keep the cold air within them.
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How do I look after tropical fish during a power cut?
When you have invested a lot of time and money in fish and equipment we want to help you look after them during a power cut.
Here are some tips:
- During a power cut the temperature of the water in your tank will drop gradually. This speed depends on the surrounding temperature and the volume of water inside the tank, i.e. a larger volume of water will take longer to cool down than a smaller volume of water
- For insulation, wrap the tank in blankets. If possible, fill hot water bottles with warm water and place them around the outside of the tank
- Without power, the water will lose oxygen gradually. So fish suppliers recommend a cheap bubble-up filter that can run off a battery-powered air pump. If you don’t have one then a normal bicycle pump will do the job
- Fish suppliers recommend disturbing the water surface for five minutes each hour during a power cut. A good way is to fill a jug with tank water then pour it back in, making as much movement as possible
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My mobile phone battery is running low. How do I conserve power?
If your mobile phone is running low on battery then here are a few tips to extend your battery life.
- Use the extra power saving mode if you have it
- Cut apps running in the background
- Turn down screen brightness
- Top up your battery in your car if you have a car charger
