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Never caught out by · Power cuts

The first hour of a power cut: a calm checklist

Most power cuts are fixed within a few hours. This is the short version: what to do in the first hour, in order.

Last checked 1 November 2026Applies across the UK

1. Light, safely

Use a torch or your phone’s light. Be Ready says: “Torches are safer than candles.” Keep the torch with spare batteries somewhere you can find in the dark, so next time this step takes seconds.

2. Is it just you?

  • Look outside. Are street lights and neighbours’ windows dark too? If so, it is probably a wider cut.
  • If only your home is affected, check your consumer unit (fuse box) for a tripped switch. If something keeps tripping it, leave it off and call an electrician.
  • Prepayment meter? Check you have credit. A fault with the meter itself goes to your energy supplier, not 105.

3. Report it and get updates

Call 105. It is free and puts you through to your local network operator, the company that fixes power cuts. In Northern Ireland, call NIE Networks on 03457 643643. Operators’ websites and social media also show known cuts and estimated restoration times.

Fallen power lines

Stay well away from any fallen or damaged power line and keep others away. Call 105 straight away, or 999 if there is an immediate danger to life.

4. Switch off, leave one light on

Turn off and unplug appliances that could be a hazard if the power comes back while you are not watching, such as heaters, irons, cookers and hair straighteners. Leave one light switched on so you know when the power is back.

5. Keep the cold in

Keep the fridge and freezer doors shut. The Food Standards Agency says food in a closed fridge should stay cold for about 4 hours, and a full freezer for about 48 hours (about 24 hours if it is half full).

6. Phones and broadband

Many home phones now run over broadband, and Ofcom says they will not work in a power cut unless you have a backup battery. Keep your mobile for important calls: turn down the screen brightness and close apps you do not need. A charged power bank helps.

7. Check on people who may need help

If someone in your home relies on powered medical equipment, follow the plan from their clinical team and tell 105 straight away. People on the Priority Services Register may get extra help. If you can, check on neighbours who may struggle.

If it goes on

For warmth, food and longer cuts, see the full power cut guide and keeping warm in a power cut. If you are off for 12 hours or more, you may be owed compensation.

Carbon monoxide warning

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.

Official sources we used

  1. Power cuts (Be Ready, UK Government)
  2. Be ready for emergencies (Be Ready, UK Government)
  3. Report a power cut (Energy Networks Association (powercut105.com))
  4. Power cuts and outages (NIE Networks)
  5. Food safety in a power cut: advice for consumers (Food Standards Agency)
  6. Your landline is going digital: what you need to know (Ofcom)
  7. The Priority Services Register (thepsr.co.uk (energy and water industry))

We link to official pages so you can check the latest advice yourself. If something here differs from what an official source says now, follow the official source. Where we quote or adapt official text, it contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.