The electricity networks are built to withstand high winds, heavy rain and snow. But sometimes severe weather can bring down power lines and cause power cuts.
When severe weather is forecast
There are some important precautions you can take when severe weather is forecast.
Prepare - Make a plan: know what to do if you have a power cut or smell gas
- Follow your local network operator on social media so you can find local updates. Enter your postcode on PowerCut105.com to find your local network operator.
- Save 105, the free national power cut emergency number, to your phone.
- 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.
- Have warm clothes, blankets and food which doesn’t need heating accessible.
Care - Check in with people who might need extra help
- Check on neighbours, family and friends to make sure they have a plan if they have a power cut
- Check now to see if you or someone you know can get extra help during bad weather through the Priority Services Register
- The Priority Services Register is a free service to help people who have additional needs. You can sign up by contacting your energy supplier and network operator. Remember to keep your supplier or network operator updated if your circumstances change
Share - Share this information so friends and family can make a plan too
- Share this information and the Power Cut 105 Be Winter Ready website with others
What’s the role of electricity network operators?
Electricity network operators monitor bad weather closely and prepare their response with extensive emergency plans.
Before a storm. Preparations don't just happen just before a storm. We make sure trees are trimmed all year round to cut the risk of them falling or their branches touching power cables or other infrastructure. We also plan shifts for winter, so extra emergency teams are available around the clock when needed.
When a storm is forecast. Network operators arrange standby emergency teams and place vehicles and resources in strategic locations - like big substations or in remote parts of the network. That way we can make repairs quickly if we need to. Control rooms and local network operator customer service teams also bring in more staff so we can keep customers informed and support our engineers on the ground.
During a storm. We co-ordinate a joint response from across the energy networks. We collate information from our members and share updates through the news and social media. We also update our Be Winter Ready advice and our social media channels with the latest information and customer guidance.
Need extra help?
The energy networks can help if you have additional needs because of your medical or personal circumstances. Registering for your local network operator’s free Priority Services scheme also helps us prioritise getting to you first in an emergency. Contact your energy supplier or local network operator to sign up. Each keeps their own register.
If you depend on power for medical equipment and don’t already have your own power cut plan, you should speak to your healthcare provider now. Power cuts can happen all-year-round so it’s important you are prepared and know what to do.
Check how you or someone you know can get extra help during bad weather with the Priority Services Register.
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, call 999.
