Dealing with Power Outages: What to Do and How to Prepare

A power cut can happen all of a sudden. It might happen because of bad weather, problems in the electricity network, or scheduled maintenance. Most power cuts in the UK are short. However, some might last several hours or even several days.

It's important to be ready for a power cut. You need to know what to do when the lights go out. It's also critical to protect your appliances, food, and essential medical equipment. By doing this, you can stay safe and avoid trouble.

Common Causes of Power Outages

There are a number of causes for power cuts, including:

• Severe Weather Conditions – Storms, high winds, and flooding can damage power lines and substations.
• Equipment Failure – Issues in the electricity distribution network can lead to unplanned power disruptions.
• Overloaded Grid – A sudden spike in energy usage can strain the system, leading to blackouts.
• Planned Power Cuts – Maintenance work by distribution network operators (DNOs) can cause scheduled outages.
• Emergency Power Cuts – In extreme cases, National Grid Electricity Distribution may enforce temporary power cuts to stabilise the grid.

How to Prepare for a Power Cut

1. Keep a Torch and Spare Batteries Handy

• Always have a battery-powered or wind-up torch ready.
• Also, make sure to have spare batteries with it.
• Stay away from candles or naked flames. They can start a fire hazard.

2. Charge Your Mobile Phone & Backup Power Supplies

• Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged.
• Consider bringing a power bank or an extra battery along with you.
• If you rely on essential medical equipment, ensure you have backup power supplies.
• You need to have a plan ready with your health care provider.

3. Store Food Properly in Your Fridge & Freezer

🧊 Keep fridge and freezer doors closed to maintain the temperature.

🥶 According to the Food Standards Agency, a fridge will keep food safe for up to four hours, and a full freezer can hold a safe temperature for 48 hours if the door remains closed.

🍽 Have non-perishable food that does not require cooking, such as tinned food, ready-to-eat meals, and baby formula.

4. Find Your Local Distribution Network Operator (DNO)

📍 Use your postcode to find your local network operator on the Energy Networks Association website.

☎ Call 105 in England, Scotland, and Wales to report a power outage.

📞 In Northern Ireland, call 03457 643643.

5. Keep Warm & Prepare for Heating Disruptions

🛏 Have blankets, layered clothing, and warm drinks ready in case your heating system stops working.

🔥 Avoid using electric fires or gas appliances that require ventilation, as they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

6. Plan for Essential Medical Equipment

If you or someone in your family relies on important medical equipment, please talk to your care provider or clinical care team. They can help you find backup solutions that work for emergencies.

Consider joining the Priority Services Register with your energy supplier. This could provide you with extra support.

7. Prepare for Communication Disruptions

• Have a battery-powered or wind-up radio. This will help you get news about power cuts.
• If you have a corded landline phone, check if it works without power. Some landline providers offer backup power options.

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What to Do During a Power Cut

Step 1: Check Your Home’s Fuse Box

Before you think there is a problem with the whole network, check if the power cut is only in your home.

• Reset the fuse box if a switch has tripped.
• See if your neighbours are having issues. If they have power, the problem could be in your home.

Step 2: Contact Your Local Network Operator (DNO)

• Call 105 for free to report a power cut.
• Visit your DNO’s website for live updates.

Step 3: Turn Off Electrical Appliances

🛑 Switch off electrical appliances like ovens, irons, and electric fires to prevent power surges when electricity is restored.

💻 Unplug TVs and PCs to avoid damage from power spikes.

Step 4: Stay Safe and Warm

🔥 Avoid using candles or naked flames to prevent fire hazards.

🛏 Close doors and curtains to retain heat and keep warm.

📞 Check on neighbours, especially elderly or vulnerable individuals.

Compensation for Power Outages

You may receive compensation for a power cut if the outage lasts longer than a certain time. Distribution network operators, or DNOs, must follow the rules set by Ofgem. These rules determine the maximum amount of compensation you can get.

Compensation for Power Cuts in Normal Conditions

You need to file compensation claims within three months after the power returns.

Compensation for Severe Weather Power Cuts

• If you are without power for more than 24 hours, you will get a payment of £85.
• For every additional 6 hours without power, you can receive £40 more.
• The maximum payment amount you can receive is £2,000.

For more details, visit the Energy Networks Association website. You can also reach out to your local DNO.