What to Do in a Power Cut: Step-by-Step Guide

Power cuts can happen at any time – storms, equipment failures, or accidents can all cause sudden loss of electricity. Knowing what to do helps you stay safe and get power restored as quickly as possible.

Step 1: Check If It's Just You

First, determine whether the power cut affects just your property or the wider area:

• Look outside – are your neighbours' lights on?
• Check street lights
• Ask neighbours if they have power

If others have power and you don't, the problem is likely within your property.

Step 2: Check Your Consumer Unit

If the power cut is just affecting you:

1. Locate your consumer unit (fuse box)
2. Check if any switches have tripped (moved to the middle or off position)
3. If the main switch has tripped, try resetting it
4. If an RCD or MCB has tripped, try resetting it

If breakers keep tripping immediately, there's a fault that needs professional attention.

Step 3: Report a Power Cut

If the power cut affects your area (not just your property), report it to your Distribution Network Operator (DNO):

• National power cut number: 105 (free from mobiles and landlines)
• Electricity North West: 0800 195 4141
• SP Energy Networks: 0800 001 5400

They can tell you if they're aware of the problem and give an estimated restoration time.

Staying Safe During a Power Cut

Lighting

• Use torches rather than candles (fire risk)
• Keep a torch in a known location
• Phone torches work in emergencies

Food Safety

• Keep fridge and freezer doors closed
• A full freezer stays cold for about 24 hours if unopened
• A fridge stays cold for about 4 hours

Heating

• If you have gas central heating, it won't work (needs electricity for controls)
• Dress warmly in layers
• Never use outdoor heaters or barbecues indoors (carbon monoxide risk)

Medical Equipment

• If you rely on powered medical equipment, contact your DNO to register as a priority customer
• Have a backup plan for essential equipment

When Power Returns

1. Turn off appliances you were using (to prevent surge damage)
2. Wait a few minutes before turning things back on
3. Check your fridge and freezer temperatures
4. Reset clocks and timers

When to Call an Electrician

Call an electrician if:

• Only your property is affected and resetting breakers doesn't help
• Breakers keep tripping immediately
• You smell burning
• You see scorch marks or damage
• Power is only partially restored

Our emergency electrician service is available for urgent electrical problems.

Preventing Problems

• Have your electrical installation inspected regularly (EICR)
• Don't overload circuits
• Replace damaged cables and appliances
• Consider a UPS for essential equipment
• Keep torches and batteries accessible

Conclusion

Most power cuts are resolved quickly by the network operator. Stay calm, check whether it's a local or wider issue, and report it if needed. If the problem is within your property, professional help may be required to diagnose and fix the fault safely.