Preparedness

Power and Utility Outages

Power and Utility Outages

Utility outages can affect electricity, water, gas, telecommunications and internet services. They may be caused by severe weather, accidents, infrastructure failures or essential maintenance, and can sometimes continue for an extended period.

Loss of essential services can affect heating, lighting, cooking, drinking water, communications, refrigeration, healthcare, transport, payments and access to information.

Most outages are resolved quickly, but taking a few simple steps in advance can help you stay safe, reduce disruption and support anyone who may need additional assistance.

What You Can Do

Know How to Report a Power Cut - have the national power cut number, 105, in your phone. This free service connects you to your local electricity network operator and can be used to report power cuts or damaged power lines.

Keep Emergency Lighting Available

Keep torches and spare batteries in an easily accessible location. Battery-powered lighting is safer than candles and reduces the risk of accidental fires.

Charge Devices When Severe Weather Is Forecast

If severe weather is expected, consider charging mobile phones, power banks and other essential devices in advance. This can help you stay informed and maintain contact with family, friends and emergency services if needed.

Keep Emergency Supplies at Home

A small supply of essential items can help during a prolonged power or utility outage. Consider keeping:

  • Bottled drinking water
  • Non-perishable food
  • Essential medication
  • Warm clothing and blankets
  • Important contact details, including your utility providers

Protect Food and Medicines

During a power cut, keep fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Follow food safety guidance and make sure medicines requiring temperature-controlled storage are kept in accordance with advice from a healthcare professional.

Plan for Medical and Care Needs

If anyone in your household relies on electricity, water or telecommunications for medical equipment or care, contact the relevant provider about available support and make an emergency plan for a prolonged interruption.

Register for Priority Services

If you are eligible, register with your electricity, gas and water providers' Priority Services Registers. These services may provide additional support during supply interruptions. 

Stay Warm Safely

Keep warm clothing, blankets and extra layers readily available during colder weather. Never use barbecues, camping stoves, generators or other outdoor fuel-burning equipment inside a building, as this can cause fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Check on Family, Friends and Neighbours

During prolonged outages, consider checking on relatives, neighbours and others who may need additional help or support, particularly older people and those with health conditions.

Prepare for Communication Disruption

Keep important contact numbers written down, save 105 offline and agree how household members will stay in touch if mobile or internet services are unavailable. A battery-powered or wind-up radio can provide news, weather warnings and emergency information.

Protect Electrical Equipment

Consider unplugging sensitive electrical equipment during a power cut. Once power is restored, reconnect appliances carefully to reduce the risk of damage from power surges, and follow any instructions issued by your utility provider.

Know Your Utility Providers

Keep contact details for your electricity, gas, water and telecommunications providers readily available so you can report faults and obtain service updates quickly.

Store Emergency Drinking Water

Consider keeping bottled drinking water for essential drinking, cooking and basic hygiene during a prolonged water supply interruption.

Prepare for Cashless Payment Disruption

Major utility outages can affect card payment systems and cash machines. Consider keeping a small amount of cash available for essential purchases.

Advice for Businesses

Businesses and community organisations should review continuity plans, backup power arrangements, alternative communication methods and procedures for maintaining critical services during electricity, water, gas or telecommunications outages.

Further Information