Preparing for a power outage

Unexpected power outages, also known as power cuts, can disrupt daily life, leaving homes without electricity. While inconvenient, being prepared can significantly reduce the impact of these events, ensuring safety and minimising stress. This guide provides actionable steps for residents to understand, prepare for, cope with, and recover from electricity supply interruptions.

When the lights go out, it's good to know your energy supplier is reliable. Fuse Energy provides clear information and 24/7 human support, so you can manage your account even during unexpected disruptions. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today.

Understanding power outages

Power cuts are an unavoidable part of modern life, but knowing why they happen and who is responsible for fixing them can help you feel more in control.

What causes a power cut?

Power cuts can stem from various issues, ranging from severe weather to equipment failures. Common causes include storms, high winds, and flooding damaging power lines or substations. Equipment failures, often due to ageing infrastructure or technical malfunctions, can also lead to local outages. Sometimes, even trees falling on power lines or interference from wildlife can cause disruptions. While most power cuts are short-lived and localised, more widespread and longer outages can occur.

The role of your distribution network operator (DNO)

Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) are the companies responsible for maintaining the local electricity network in your area. They manage the infrastructure that delivers electricity from the National Grid to your home, including cables, substations, and power lines. If a power cut occurs, it's your DNO's job to identify the fault, carry out repairs, and restore your electricity supply. There are six main DNO groups operating across Britain, covering different geographical regions.

Energy suppliers versus network operators

It's a common misconception that your energy supplier is responsible for fixing power cuts. However, your energy supplier (like Fuse Energy) is the company you pay your bills to for the electricity you use. They sell you the energy, but they do not own or maintain the physical network that delivers it. Your DNO is the company that manages the wires and infrastructure in your local area and is the one you should contact in the event of a power cut.

Preparing for a power outage

Proactive preparation is key to navigating a power outage with confidence. A little planning can make a big difference when the lights go out.

Building your emergency power cut kit

An emergency kit is your first line of defence during a power cut. It should contain essential items to keep you safe, warm, and informed. Your kit should include:

• Lighting: Battery-powered or wind-up torches (and spare batteries) are safer than candles.
• Communication: A fully charged power bank for your mobile phone and a battery-powered or wind-up radio to get updates.
• Food and drink: Bottled water and non-perishable food that doesn't require cooking, such as tinned goods, along with a manual tin opener.
• Warmth: Blankets, warm clothing, and hot water bottles.
• First aid: A basic first aid kit and any essential medications.
• Important information: A paper copy of emergency contact numbers, including 105, and details of any medical conditions.

Charging devices and essential electronics

Before a storm or if a power cut is forecast, fully charge all your mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and power banks. This ensures you have communication and entertainment options for as long as possible. Consider downloading important documents or entertainment onto devices in advance, as internet access may be disrupted.

Planning for heating and food

During a power cut, gas ovens, boilers, and heat pumps will not work. Keep warm by wearing layers of clothing, using blankets, and closing curtains and doors to unused rooms to retain heat. For food, keep fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible; a full freezer can keep food frozen for up to 12 hours. Prioritise eating perishable items first. Never use camping stoves or BBQs indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

What to do during a power outage

When a power cut hits, staying calm and following safety guidelines is paramount.

Prioritising safety first

• Turn off and unplug appliances: Switch off or unplug non-essential appliances, especially those that generate heat like irons, ovens, and electric fires. This prevents damage from power surges when electricity is restored and reduces the load on the network.
• Avoid hazards: Stay away from fallen power lines or damaged electrical equipment. Report any such hazards to your DNO immediately by calling 105, and if there's an immediate risk to life, call 999.
• Use safe lighting: Rely on torches and battery-powered lanterns rather than candles to minimise fire risk.

Managing food and appliances

Keep your fridge and freezer doors closed to keep food cold for as long as possible. A full freezer can maintain its temperature for around 12 hours. If the power is off for an extended period, prioritise consuming items that will spoil quickly.

Staying connected and informed

Your mobile phone may still work if local masts have backup power, but signal can be lost. Use a battery or wind-up radio to tune into local news for updates on the power cut. You can also check your DNO's website for updates, often accessible via mobile data if available.

Who to contact during a power cut

Knowing the correct contact number is crucial when you experience a power cut.

The 105 emergency number explained

The universal contact number for reporting power cuts in Great Britain is 105. This free-to-call service connects you directly to your local DNO, regardless of who your energy supplier is. You can call 105 to report an outage, get updates on existing power cuts, or report damage to electricity lines and substations.

Finding your local distribution network operator

While 105 will automatically connect you to your DNO, you can also find your specific DNO by entering your postcode on the Energy Networks Association (ENA) website. This can be useful for checking their website directly for live updates or specific advice.

Contacting Fuse Energy for account support

Fuse Energy is your energy supplier, not your network operator. While we cannot fix power cuts or provide updates on local outages, our 24/7 human customer support team is available for any account-related queries you might have, even if the lights are out. We aim to empower you with clear information, but for actual power cut reporting, always call 105.

Support for vulnerable customers

Extra support is available for those who need it most during power cuts and other energy supply interruptions.

Understanding the Priority Services Register (PSR)

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free service provided by energy suppliers and network operators to give extra help to vulnerable customers. If you're on the PSR, you might receive priority updates during a power cut, alternative heating or cooking facilities, or assistance if you rely on medical equipment.

Eligibility for the Priority Services Register

You may be eligible for the PSR if you:

• Have reached State Pension age.
• Are disabled or have a long-term medical condition.
• Are recovering from an injury.
• Have a hearing or sight condition.
• Have a mental health condition.
• Are pregnant or have children aged 5 or under.
• Have extra communication needs, such as not speaking or reading English well.
• Rely on medical equipment that uses electricity.

This list is not exhaustive, and you should contact your energy supplier or DNO if you believe you could benefit from extra support.

How to register for PSR support

You can register for the PSR by contacting your energy supplier or your local DNO. Remember, both your energy supplier and your network operator keep a register. If your gas and electricity come from different suppliers, you may need to contact each separately. You will also need to re-register with a new supplier if you switch.

After the power is restored

Once the power comes back on, a few simple steps can ensure your home is safe and you're ready for any future events.

Checking appliances and safety

When the power returns, gradually switch on your appliances to avoid overloading the system. Check that sensitive electronics like TVs and computers are working correctly. If you unplugged them, plug them back in. If any appliances seem faulty or damaged, do not use them and consider having them checked by a professional.

Restocking your emergency kit

After a power cut, take time to replenish any items used from your emergency kit. Check battery levels, restock non-perishable food, and ensure water supplies are fresh. This ensures you're fully prepared for any future outages.

Learning from the experience

Consider what worked well and what could be improved during the power cut. Did you have enough light? Was your phone charged? Use these insights to refine your emergency plan and kit, making you even more resilient for next time.

Managing your energy bills should be clear and easy to understand. Fuse Energy focuses on straightforward pricing, so you can see exactly what you're paying without unnecessary complexity. If you have a smart meter, you can view detailed usage data through the app or website, helping you understand how you can lower your bills. Our 24/7 human support team is always on hand with fast response times whenever you need help. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. Find out about our mission by clicking here.