UK guidance for households on preparing for and responding to planned or unplanned electricity outages.

This page provides official guidance for domestic energy consumers in the United Kingdom on when and how to plan for a power cut. It applies to both planned outages—announced by your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO)—and unplanned power cuts caused by faults, extreme weather, or infrastructure damage.

The guidance is relevant to homeowners, tenants, and carers of vulnerable individuals. It aligns with public safety standards, energy supply regulations, and the Priority Services Register (PSR) framework administered by DNOs.

When to Plan for a Power Cut

You should prepare for a power cut under the following circumstances:

1. Planned Maintenance or Infrastructure Works

  • Your local electricity DNO will notify you in writing (by post, SMS, or email)
  • Notice is typically provided at least 2 working days in advance
  • Planned works may last a few hours and are usually scheduled during daytime

2. Severe Weather Alerts

  • Flooding, storms, high winds, or heavy snow may lead to regional or national power outages
  • Advance warnings are issued by the Met Office and local authorities
  • DNOs may provide advance alerts if outages are likely due to environmental threats

3. Medical or Dependent Needs

If anyone in your home relies on:

  • Electrically powered medical equipment (e.g. oxygen concentrators, ventilators)
  • Mobility aids or stair lifts
  • Temperature-controlled medication storage (e.g. insulin refrigeration)

You must have a contingency plan and be registered with the Priority Services Register

4. Living in Remote or Rural Areas

Areas with fewer energy infrastructure redundancies may experience longer delays in restoration during storms or technical failures

Notifications and Alerts

To stay informed about power cuts:

  • Sign up for DNO notifications via text, email, or phone
  • Register for Priority Services Register (PSR) if you require additional support
  • Monitor www.powercut105.com for real-time updates and outage reports
  • Follow your DNO on social media or local news for live alerts

To report or check a power cut:

  • Call 105 (free, 24/7 national power cut helpline)

How to Prepare for a Power Cut

1. Basic Emergency Supplies

Keep the following readily available:

  • Torch (battery-powered or wind-up)
  • Spare batteries
  • Power bank for charging mobile phones
  • Warm clothing and blankets
  • Battery or wind-up radio
  • Bottled water and ready-to-eat food
  • Manual can opener

2. Electrical and Safety Preparations

  • Switch off and unplug sensitive appliances to protect them from surges
  • Leave one light switched on so you know when power is restored
  • Do not open fridge or freezer doors unnecessarily; food stays cold for several hours

3. Medical and Care Planning

  • Ensure battery backup for essential equipment
  • Know how to operate medical devices manually if possible
  • Inform your DNO of all critical medical needs via the PSR

4. Heating and Cooking Alternatives

  • Keep safe, alternative heating (e.g. blankets, hot water bottles)
  • Never use indoor barbecues or gas camping stoves for indoor heating or cooking—these pose carbon monoxide risks

What to Do During a Power Cut

  • Stay calm and check if your neighbours are affected
  • Report the outage by calling 105 or visiting www.powercut105.com
  • Check your fuse box to ensure the issue is not limited to your property
  • Follow updates from your DNO or local emergency services
  • Avoid using candles unless absolutely necessary due to fire risk

Who Is Responsible for Restoration?

Power supply restoration is managed by your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO), not your energy supplier.
DNOs are required to:

  • Respond to unplanned outages promptly
  • Prioritise vulnerable households registered on the PSR
  • Provide updates and, where applicable, compensation (see Compensation for Energy Supply Issues)

Special Considerations for Vulnerable Customers

If your household includes individuals who are:

  1. Over pensionable age
  2. Disabled
  3. Chronically ill
  4. Pregnant or caring for young children

You are strongly encouraged to register for the Priority Services Register, which enables DNOs to:

  • Contact you directly during outages
  • Offer alternative accommodation or backup support in extended outages
  • Ensure your household is prioritised for updates and restoration

Recommended Action Steps

To ensure readiness for planned or unplanned power cuts:

  1. Register for alerts from your Distribution Network Operator and sign up for the Priority Services Register if eligible
  2. Prepare an emergency kit with essential items such as torches, blankets, and backup batteries
  3. Maintain a written emergency contact list in case mobile networks are unavailable
  4. Check your fuse box to confirm the outage is not isolated to your home
  5. Avoid unsafe heating or cooking methods during outages
  6. Report power cuts immediately using the national helpline: 105

Being prepared in advance ensures safety and comfort during any period of interrupted electricity supply, especially for households with specific health or care needs.