The free 105 power cut number is celebrating five years of supporting customers and ensuring they get through to their local network operator if they need to report a power cut.

Northern Powergrid, the company responsible for the network that powers everyday life for 8 million customers across 3.9 million homes and businesses in the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, now receives around 70% of its calls to report a power cut or an electricity network emergency through the three-digit number.

The service, which was launched in September 2016, complements the network operator’s online power cut map and 24-hour social media services and it will remain a key part of the company’s future approach to supporting the people and communities it serves.

Louise Lowes, Northern Powergrid's Head of Customer and Shared Services, said: “We recently launched our draft business plan for 2023 and beyond and providing high standards in customer service are at the heart of it so we can ensure our customers receive the support they need, the way they want it.

“As part of our draft plan we’re proposing to improve customer satisfaction by introducing new channels, greater on-site support, choice when booking planned services and provide greater choice and flexibility for customers on how and when they can interact with us. Over the coming months we’ll be engaging with our customers, and other key stakeholders, to understand if they agree and accept our proposals in readiness for submitting our final business plan on 1 December to Ofgem, the energy regulator.”

Louise continued: “Network companies like Northern Powergrid are custodians of critical national infrastructure. The strong performance of the 105 single emergency number over the last five years has been matched by continued investment in our network and strong customer satisfaction levels. As we head into the autumn, we remain ready to play our part in supporting the UK’s continued response to COVID-19 and enabling the green shoots of economic recovery.  We are also ready to be there for our customers as we move closer towards the British winter and the challenges that it can bring.”

The national freephone power cut number was launched after figures revealed that 72% of people didn’t know who to contact if they had a power cut, with a further 43% indicating that they would incorrectly call their electricity supplier, who they pay their bill to, when in fact they should contact their local electricity network operator. The 105 power cut number gives people a direct route to the local company that manages the network that powers their everyday life.  The simplicity of the number – and commitment to promoting it by Northern Powergrid and fellow GB network operators – has helped it go from strength to strength. 

More information about 105 and electricity network operators can be found at www.powercut105.com. The 105 website also provides direct links and details of how to contact network operators online and via social media to get information and updates about a power cut.

Customers interested in having their say on Northern Powergrid’s draft business plan should visit click here.