What the planning says
The Electricity System Restoration Standard, set by government, requires the National Energy System Operator (NESO) to have the capability to restore 100% of Great Britain’s electricity demand within five days of a total shutdown, with an interim target of 60% of regional demand within 24 hours. NESO must comply by 31 December 2026. Local faults after storms are restored by your network operator, and you can report them on 105.
What stops working
- Phones and internet: digital landlines stop in a power cut unless you have a battery backup. Keep phones and power banks charged. See comms when phones are down.
- Payments: card machines and cash machines may not work. Be Ready advises keeping a mix of coins and notes.
- Heating: gas boilers and heat pumps usually stop working in a power cut. See staying warm without mains power.
- Water: keep stored water as part of your kit. See water when the mains fail.
Outline: the first day, the first three days, beyond
First day: report the cut on 105, switch off appliances, keep the fridge and freezer shut, gather torches, radio and power banks in one place, and check on vulnerable neighbours.
Days two and three: eat fridge food first, then freezer food, then cupboard food. Ration phone use. Listen to local radio for updates.
Beyond three days: follow instructions from your council and the emergency services, including any advice to go to a community centre or rest centre. Your council will tell you where to go.
Carbon monoxide and fire
Never use a barbecue, camping stove, patio heater or generator indoors, or in a garage, tent, porch or caravan awning. They give off carbon monoxide (CO), a poisonous gas you cannot see, smell or taste. Fit an audible CO alarm marked EN 50291 (look for the BSI Kitemark) in rooms with fuel-burning appliances.
Headache, dizziness, feeling sick, tiredness, confusion and breathlessness can be signs of CO poisoning. Get into fresh air straight away. Call 999 if someone is seriously unwell, or NHS 111 for advice. If you suspect a leak, call the gas emergency number on 0800 111 999 (0800 002 001 in Northern Ireland). NHS advice on carbon monoxide.
Torches and battery lanterns are safer than candles. If you use a portable power station, charge it where you can see it, not in a hallway or while you sleep.
Kit for this guide
Extensions to the 3-day kit for a longer cut. All research-based.
- Extra torches and batteries Research-based
- Battery or wind-up FM radio Research-based
- Charged power banks Research-based
- Blankets and sleeping bags Research-based
- Cash in coins and notes Research-based
- Food that needs no cooking Research-based
Official sources we used
- Electricity System Restoration Standard (National Energy System Operator (NESO))
- Be ready for emergencies, including the Be Ready checklist (UK Government, Be Ready)
- Your landline is going digital: what you need to know (Ofcom)
- Carbon monoxide poisoning (NHS)
- Priority Services Register (Energy Networks Association and water companies)
This is a first draft. It is built from the official sources listed above, but we have not finished reviewing it. If anything here differs from official advice, follow the official source.