Power cut: how to prepare and act

Knowing what to do before, during, and after a power cut can significantly minimise disruption and ensure your safety.

Preparing for a power cut can feel daunting, but with Fuse Energy, you're always supported. We offer clear pricing and 24/7 human customer support to help you manage your energy, even when the lights go out. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today.

Understanding electricity power cuts

A power cut, also known as a power outage or blackout, occurs when your electricity supply is interrupted, leaving your home without power. While most power cuts in the UK are local and short-lived, understanding their causes and who is responsible is the first step in effective management.

What causes power cuts?

Power cuts can stem from various issues within the electricity network. Common causes include severe weather, such as storms, high winds, and heavy rainfall, which can damage overhead power lines or bring down trees onto cables. Equipment failure, such as malfunctioning transformers or old cables, also frequently leads to localised outages. Planned maintenance by electricity network operators can also cause temporary interruptions, though you should typically receive advance notice for these. Less common causes include accidental damage during construction work.

Who is responsible for power cuts?

It's a common misconception that your energy supplier is responsible for fixing power cuts. In reality, electricity power cuts are the responsibility of Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), not energy suppliers. Your DNO owns, maintains, and operates the local electricity network - the cables, wires, and substations that deliver power to your property. Your energy supplier, like Fuse, handles your billing and customer service, but they do not manage the physical infrastructure that delivers electricity.

Preparing your home for a power cut

Proactive preparation is crucial for minimising the impact of a power cut. A little foresight can make a significant difference to your comfort and safety.

Building an emergency kit

An emergency kit ensures you have essential items readily available when the power goes out. Your kit should include:

• Torches and spare batteries: These are safer than candles.
• Battery-powered or wind-up radio: For news and updates, especially if mobile networks are affected.
• First aid kit and essential medications: Ensure you have at least a two-week supply of any critical medicines.
• Non-perishable food and bottled water: Items that don't require cooking, such as tinned goods, and at least one litre of water per person per day for a minimum of three days. Remember a manual can opener.
• External power bank: Keep these charged to power mobile phones and other small devices.
• Warm blankets and extra layers of clothing: To stay warm if heating is unavailable.

Charging devices and backup power

Keep essential devices charged, especially if severe weather is forecast. Mobile phones, laptops, and power banks should be fully charged. Consider investing in a portable power bank for extended outages. If you rely on medical equipment, discuss backup power options with your DNO and register for the Priority Services Register.

Protecting appliances

When a power cut occurs, it's wise to turn off and unplug non-essential electrical appliances. This prevents potential damage from power surges when the electricity supply is restored. Leave one light switched on so you know immediately when power returns. For larger appliances like fridges and freezers, keep their doors closed to maintain temperature for as long as possible.

What to do during a power cut

Staying calm and following a few key steps can help you manage effectively until power is restored.

Prioritising safety

Your safety is paramount during a power cut.

• Check your fuse box: First, determine if it's a power cut or a fault within your home by checking your fuse box. If a trip switch has flipped, the fault is internal. If your neighbours also have no power, it's likely a network issue.
• Stay away from hazards: Keep clear of fallen power lines or damaged electrical equipment. If there's fire, sparks, arcing, or any immediate risk to life, call 999 immediately, then report to your DNO on 105.
• Carbon monoxide risk: Never use gas or charcoal barbecues, camping stoves, or generators indoors, as they can produce dangerous carbon monoxide fumes.

Staying warm and fed

Even if your central heating is gas-powered, your boiler needs electricity to operate.

• Keep warm: Close doors and curtains to retain heat. Wear extra layers and use blankets.
• Food and drink: Keep fridge and freezer doors closed to preserve food. A full freezer can stay frozen for up to 48 hours. If you have a gas hob, you can still use it by lighting it with a match or gas lighter, as the electric spark starter won't work. If you only have electric cooking appliances, you'll need to rely on non-cook food from your emergency kit.

Managing your appliances

Turn off or unplug appliances that shouldn't be left unattended, such as electric fires, irons, and ovens. This prevents them from switching back on unexpectedly when power is restored, which could be a fire hazard or cause damage.

Reporting and checking power cut status

Knowing who to contact and how to get updates is vital during an outage.

Contacting 105: the national helpline

The official, free national helpline for reporting power cuts and getting updates is 105. Calling 105 will connect you directly to your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO). This number works for all electricity customers in England, Scotland, and Wales, regardless of who your energy supplier is. You should call 105 if your power is off, you need an update on restoration times, or if you see damaged electrical equipment that does not pose an immediate risk to life.

Checking online status updates

Many DNOs offer online services where you can check for power cuts in your area by entering your postcode and receive updates. This is often the quickest way to get information and report an outage.

The Priority Services Register

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free service that provides extra support for vulnerable individuals1 during power cuts and other supply interruptions. You may be eligible for the PSR if you:

• Have reached State Pension age.
• Are disabled or have a long-term medical condition (including mental health conditions).
• Are recovering from an injury.
• Have a hearing or sight condition.
• Are pregnant or have young children (5 years old or under).
• Rely on medical equipment that uses electricity.
• Have extra communication needs.

Benefits can include advance notice of planned power cuts, priority support in emergencies, and assistance with meter readings. You can sign up by contacting your energy supplier or your local DNO.

After the power cut: restoring normality

Once the power is restored, take a few careful steps to ensure safety and prevent damage.

Safely reconnecting appliances

When the electricity comes back on, avoid switching everything on at once. Reconnect essential appliances gradually, one at a time. This helps prevent a sudden surge in demand that could trip your circuit breakers or damage sensitive electronics. Check for any unusual smells, smoke, or hot sockets before fully restoring power to appliances.

Checking for damage

After a power cut, check your fridge and freezer contents. If the outage was prolonged, some food may need to be discarded for safety reasons. Reset any clocks, timers, or heating controls that may have lost their settings. If you use medical or telecare equipment, test it to ensure it's functioning correctly.

Reviewing your preparedness

Use the experience of a power cut to review and update your emergency plan. Recharge any power banks, replace used batteries in torches, and restock non-perishable food items in your emergency kit. Understanding your energy usage patterns can also help you prepare better for future events. Fuse's app provides up-to-date energy usage data, helping you understand your consumption and plan for potential outages. For general assistance during non-emergency situations, Fuse's 24/7 human customer support is available to offer guidance.

By empowering yourself with knowledge and tools, you can shift your mindset from uncertainty to proactive resilience during outages.

Managing your energy can be simpler, even when unexpected events like power cuts occur. Fuse Energy offers clear pricing, up-to-date usage data through our app, and 24/7 human customer support to help you stay in control. We're committed to making energy easy and transparent for your home. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today and experience the difference. You can also learn more about our mission to transform energy by clicking here.