Topic
Power cuts
Most power cuts are short and local. Report one or check for updates by calling 105 (free) in England, Scotland and Wales, or 03457 643643 in Northern Ireland.
In an emergency
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. Stay well away from fallen power lines and report them on 105.
Guides
- 01Power cuts: what to do before, during and afterWho to call, what to switch off, keeping food safe and staying warm without heating.
- 02The first hour of a power cut: a calm checklistCheck, report, light, switch off and keep the cold in: what to do in the first hour.
- 03Keeping warm in a power cut, safelyMost heating stops in a power cut. How to keep warm safely, and what never to use indoors.
- 04Power cut compensation 2026/27: what you are owed, with worked examplesOfgem’s guaranteed payments for long power cuts in England, Scotland and Wales, with worked examples.
- 05Phones when the network is down: how to reach 999What happens to 999 calls when your mobile network or broadband is down, and the other ways to reach the emergency services.
- 06The Priority Services Register, explainedFree extra support from energy and water companies: who can join, what it gives you, and what it doesn’t.
Official links
- Power Cut 105: report a power cut or check for updates
- Find your network operator (Energy Networks Association)
- NIE Networks power cuts (Northern Ireland)