Find out what you to do if your home no longer has access to electricity.
Have you experienced a power outage? Are you unsure what to do and who to call? Our guide will help you get your electricity supply connected as quickly as possible.
Power outages FAQ
Why do power cuts happen?
Power cuts, also known as power outages, blackouts or power failures, occur when an area is cut off from its electricity source. They can take place for a number of reasons, including network faults and damage caused by extreme weather.
What should you do in case of a power cut?
If you experience a power outage there are a couple of things you can do which may solve the problem right away.
First have a look at your fuse box to make sure one of your fuses hasn’t tripped. If that doesn’t seem to be the issue then have a look at your neighbours' homes. Are their lights off as well? If so it’s likely to be a network related problem and you will have to contact your Local Distribution Company (LDC).
Who to call in case of a power cut
Your electricity provider bills you for your electricity consumption, but it’s your LDC that manages the power lines that connect your home to the national grid.
If you experience a power cut, see below to find out which number you should call.
Contact details for all district network operators
| If your region is... | ...call this number to contact your LDC |
|---|---|
| North Scotland | 0345 026 2554 |
| Central and South Scotland | 0330 1010 300 |
| North East England & Yorkshire | 0800 0111 3332 |
| North West England | 0800 195 4141 |
| London, South East England & Eastern England | 0800 029 4285 |
| Central Southern England | 0345 026 2554 |
| South West England & South Wales | 0800 096 3080 |
| East Midlands & West Midlands | 0800 096 3080 |
| Merseyside, Cheshire, North Shropshire & North Wales | 0330 1010 300 |
Please note that the cost of calling a phone number depends on the digits it starts with, your phone provider and whether you use a landline or mobile. However, it is now free for mobile users to call 0800 and 0808 numbers.
Compensation for your power cut
If your power cut lasts longer than 24 hours, you may be entitled to compensation of £75 or more.
Find out if you should claim for a power cut and how to do it in our How to get compensation for a power cut guide.
My energy supplier disconnected me, what should I do?
It is rare for gas and electricity providers to disconnect households from their energy supply, but it does happen. If your energy supplier is planning to cut you off, they are obliged to give you at least 28 days written notice following the receipt of your last bill. Following this, they will have to send you a written disconnection notice, seven days before disconnecting you.
Pensioners, people with health problems, disabilities or serious financial difficulties will find there are measures in place to protect them from being disconnected. You can find more information in our guide to energy debt.