A power cut is disruptive and, in cold weather, worrying — but help is only a
phone call away, and you don’t have to work out who your network operator is.
This is what to do.
Call 105 — the free power cut line
If your power goes off, call 105. It’s a free national number
that connects you to your local electricity network operator — the company
that runs the cables and substations, which is different from the supplier you
pay. They can tell you what’s happening and when power should be back. 105
also lets you report damage to power lines or substations that could put
someone in danger (if there’s an immediate risk to life, call 999).
Check it’s not just your home
Before calling, check whether your neighbours are affected too. If it’s only
your home, the problem may be your own fuse box or a tripped switch. If a
wider area is out, it’s a network fault — that’s what 105 is for. (For a
gas emergency or a suspected leak, call the National Gas
Emergency line on 0800 111 999 instead.)
Extra help if you need it
If you’re of pension age, disabled, have a young family or rely on medical
equipment, sign up to your network operator’s free
Priority Services Register — it means you get extra support
during a power cut, such as priority updates and, in some cases, alternative
heating or a welfare visit.
Compensation for long cuts
Network operators must meet guaranteed standards for restoring power, and if a
cut lasts an unusually long time you may be entitled to a compensation
payment, often paid automatically. It’s worth checking with your operator if
you’ve had a lengthy outage.
What to do next
Save 105 in your phone now, and consider joining the Priority Services
Register. For help with energy bills and your rights as a customer, see our
suppliers, bills and meters
and
energy bill support
pages.
Sources
Energy Networks Association (the 105 power cut service); Ofgem (Priority
Services Register; guaranteed standards); National Gas (0800 111 999).
Reviewed: 3 September 2026.
In summary
How to Report a Power Cut
A sudden power cut can be worrying, especially in bad weather or if someone in your home relies on electricity for medical equipment. The good news is that help is only a phone call — or three digits — away, and reporting a power cut is free. This guide explains exactly what to do, who to contact and how to stay safe until the power returns.
Call 105 — the free power cut number
The quickest way to report or check a power cut in England, Scotland and Wales is to call 105. It is free from most landlines and mobiles, and it automatically connects you to your local network operator — the company that runs the cables and substations in your area, which is not the same as the supplier you pay your bills to. You can also use 105 if you spot damage to power lines or electricity substations that could put anyone in danger. In Northern Ireland, contact NIE Networks instead.
Check first: is it just your home?
Before reporting, take a moment to work out how widespread the problem is:
- Look outside — are your neighbours’ lights and streetlights off too? If so, it is likely a network fault.
- Check your fuse box or consumer unit for a tripped switch, which can cut power to just your home.
- Make sure your electricity meter has not run out of credit if you are on a prepayment meter — our guidance on suppliers, bills and meters explains how to top up and read your meter.
If only your property is affected and it is not a tripped fuse or empty meter, still call 105, as your operator can advise on the cause.
Report online and track progress
Most network operators let you report and track power cuts on their website, and many show a live outage map so you can see the area affected and an estimated restoration time. You can usually sign up for text updates too. If you are not sure who your operator is, calling 105 or entering your postcode on the Energy Networks Association website will tell you.
Get extra help: the Priority Services Register
If you or someone in your household is elderly, disabled, has a chronic illness or depends on electricity for medical equipment, sign up to the free Priority Services Register with your network operator and energy supplier. Registered households get extra support during a power cut, such as priority updates, welfare checks and sometimes alternative heating or cooking facilities. It is well worth arranging this before you ever need it.
Staying safe and claiming compensation
During a cut, switch off and unplug sensitive appliances to protect them from a surge when power returns, but leave one light on so you know when it is back. Keep fridges and freezers closed to preserve food, and never use outdoor generators, camping stoves or barbecues indoors because of the risk of carbon monoxide. If your power is off for a long period, or is cut many times, you may be entitled to a compensation payment under the Guaranteed Standards set by the regulator Ofgem — contact your network operator to claim. For related help, see our wider energy and water guidance.