Why do power cuts happen?
We know power outages can be frustrating, especially when they happen unexpectedly.
In most cases, they’re caused by issues affecting the wider electricity network that delivers power to your home or business.
These networks are carefully maintained, but from time to time, things can still go wrong. Some of the most common causes include:
Severe weather
Storms, strong winds, lightning and flooding can damage overhead lines and other equipment. Fallen trees can also bring down power lines.
Accidental damage
Sometimes cables are damaged during construction work or even routine digging, such as in gardens or on driveways.
Fire or theft
Damage to electrical equipment in substations or along the network can interrupt the power supply.
Short interruptions or voltage dips
Brief power cuts or dips in voltage can occasionally happen, particularly in more rural areas where overhead lines are more exposed – for example, due to wildlife or extreme weather.
My power is out – what do I do right now?
Check if you need to report a power cut
When the power goes out, it’s natural to want it restored quickly. Taking a moment to check what’s happened can help you decide the best next step.
Take a moment to assess the situation
Before reporting a power cut, take a moment to run through a few simple things -sometimes the issue can be resolved quickly, follow this checklist:
- Are your neighbours affected?
- Are streetlights off?
- Have your trip switches turned off?
- Can you safely reset them to restore power?
- If you have a smart meter, is it showing an error?
- If you have a traditional meter, is the display working?
Who to contact during a power cut?
Followed our six-step checklist and still feel there is a power outage? Get in touch with the right team.
In the UK, different organisations work together to keep electricity flowing. Energy suppliers provide your energy, while network operators are responsible for maintaining the cables and equipment that carry electricity to you.
If you experience a power cut, your local network operator will be your first point of contact.
As they manage the wider network in your area, they coordinate fault responses.
While we own and operate parts of the network as an Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO), we don’t directly handle customer fault reports – contacting your local operator ensures the right team is dispatched as quickly as possible.
And we’ll work closely with your local network operator behind the scenes to help restore your power as quickly and safely as possible.
The fastest way to check who manages your network and report a power cut is online. Visit: Powercut105.com
If you’d prefer to speak to someone, you can call:
How we respond to power cuts
In the event of a power cut, our teams are available 24/7 to restore your electricity as quickly and safely as possible. Working closely with your local network operator, you’ll be kept updated while we work to resolve the issue.
In some cases, we can restore parts of the network remotely from our control centre.
However, many faults need to be assessed in person. This means our engineers may need to visit equipment on the network to identify the issue before power can be safely restored and repairs carried out.
Compensation for power cuts
If your power is off for an extended period, you may be able to claim compensation, as per Ofgem guidelines.
Weather-related outages
- £85 after 24 hours (Category 1 storm)
- £85 after 48 hours (Category 2 storm)
- Then £45 for every additional 6 hours (up to £2,165)
Other outages:
- £95 after 12 hours (or 24 hours if over 5,000 properties are affected)
- Then £45 every additional 12 hours (up to £390)
Additional payments:
- £95 if you experience four or more outages in a year (lasting 3+ hours each)
How to claim:
Compensation isn’t automatic – you’ll need to contact your local network operator. You can find their details at Powercut105.com.
I need extra support
If you need any extra support please visit the following:
How do I plan ahead and avoid dangers?
Find out how you can plan ahead and stay safe by using the link below: