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What to do in a power cut
If you have been informed of a planned power cut, or you think severe weather could cause a power cut, please have a look at our advice below.
Lighting
Be careful if using alternative lighting such as candles.
Blankets And Jumpers
Make sure you have plenty of blankets and jumpers at hand so you can keep warm, especially if it is night time or winter.
Radio
Have a battery-powered or wind-up radio tuned in to a local radio station so you can receive updates on the power cut.
Computer
Save your work and back up your files regularly before a power cut so you don't lose any important documents.
Fish And Livestock
Tropical fish should not be affected in a power cut of 2-3 hours. If the power cut is due to last longer, store warm water beforehand so you can maintain the tank temperature. Livestock should be kept insulated and ventilated.
Food And Drink
Make sure your cupboards are well-stocked with food and drink.
Flasks And Hot Water Bottles
Make up a hot water bottle and a flask with a hot drink to keep warm.
Heating
Heat one room thoroughly before a power cut and stay in it to keep warm. Be careful if using alternative heating such as gas heaters. Remember that if your heating uses an electrical timer, you will need to reset it once the power is restored.
Kitchen Appliances
Your kitchen appliances should be ok during a power cut. Try to fill in any spaces in your freezer, don't fill it with fresh food, wrap it in a blanket to keep it cold and keep the door closed. Don't start a wash cycle on your washing machine directly before a planned power cut.
Mobile Phone
Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged and to hand and that you have all your important contacts saved.
Lighting
Leave a light on so you can tell when the power is back on.
Stair Lift
If you have a stair lift, avoid using it up to 30 minutes prior to a planned power cut.
Alarm System
Your alarm systems should have battery back-ups, but some may be affected.
Torch
Keep a torch handy, they are much safer than candles.
How we deal with power cuts
Why have I got a power cut and who should I contact
How to reset your trip switches
Keeping you updated during a power cut
Checking your power in your home
Planned power cuts
Intermittent Power Faults
Visiting You At Home
Most visits made by us are at your request. However, sometimes we may need to visit your home to inspect or maintain our equipment during a power cut.
The visit will be made by one of our staff or a contractor working for us. We follow a code of practice so you can be confident all visits are made by a properly-trained, genuine member of staff. Our staff will carry identification, wear clothing and drive vehicles with our logo on, and be able to give you exact information about why they are visiting your home.
If you have any doubts about whether a caller is genuine, do not let them in your home.
Staying Open For Business
If you own a small business, you may need to decide whether you want to continue trading during a power cut.
For planned work, we'll let you know in advance about the power cut so you can prepare or make alternative arrangements.
Read our guidance to help you to better understand why power cuts happen and to help get you and your business prepared.
Compensation
If you have experienced a prolonged power cut, you may be eligible to claim compensation. Please see our Help & Advice section for advice on compensation.