Energy outages
While Great Britain’s power system is very reliable, power cuts can occur for a number of different reasons. If you experience a power cut, here's what to do and who to contact.
At National Energy System Operator (NESO), we play a vital role in ensuring the continuous flow of high-voltage electricity to distribution network operators (DNOs). The DNOs then reduce the voltage and distribute the electricity, ensuring every corner of Great Britain has a reliable power supply.
If your home or business loses power, your distribution network operator is responsible for restoring power.
What to do if there’s a power cut in your area
- Remember to switch off all appliances, such as hair straighteners and irons. Once the power comes back, they may turn on by themselves.
- Call 105 to report a power cut to your distribution network operator. Calls are free from any network. NESO and your electricity supplier aren’t responsible for restoring power to your home.
- Check on your neighbours. If the power cut continues, you might want to check on your neighbours, especially if they are elderly or ill.
You'll find more information in the event of a power cut on Power Cut 105.
Who is my distribution network operator?
Who your distribution network operator is depends on where you live in the country.
Call 105 or use the online postcode checker to find out who your distribution network operator is.
Why do power cuts happen?
Although national power cuts in Great Britain are rare, local outages still occur, usually because of the following:
- Natural disasters, such as lightning, flooding, and fallen trees, can damage cables and equipment.
- Accidents, such as contractors working on equipment or even people digging in their gardens, can cause damage to cables. Cable insulation can also fail, as it’s difficult to predict when this will happen.
- Fire or theft can damage the equipment on the network or in substations.
Distribution network operators (DNOs), are responsible for fixing local power outages as they maintain the power lines connecting homes and businesses to the transmission network.
If your home or business loses power, your operator will restore the electricity.
How to report a power cut to your distribution network operators
Distribution network operators are responsible for restoring power to your homes and businesses.
You can call 105 for information on power cuts in your area, and to report power cuts or damage to electricity power lines and substations that could put you or someone else in danger.
If there’s a serious immediate risk, you should also call the emergency services.
Who to call if you smell gas or suspect there is a gas emergency.
While National Gas is responsible for the gas National Transmission System, these emergency guidelines apply to all gas users.
If you smell gas or suspect a leak, Call 0800 111 999 * (24 hours a day – free to call).
To report a gas or carbon monoxide emergency, or if a pipeline is struck (even if no gas leak has occurred) call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999 or via textphone (minicom) on 0800 371 787.
If you already know who your local distribution network operator is, contact them directly on using the details below.
| Distribution network operator | Areas covered and phone numbers | |
| Electricity North West | North West England 0800 195 4141 |
@ElectricityNW |
| National Grid | Midlands, South West England and South Wales 0800 6783 105 |
@gridcustomersuk |
| North Power Grid | York, Leeds, Sheffield, Northern Lincolnshire and Yorkshire 0800 66 88 77 |
@Northpowergrid |
| Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks |
Northern Scotland Central Southern England |
@ssencommunity |
| SP Energy Networks |
Cheshire, Merseyside, North Wales & North Shropshire Edinburgh, Glasgow, Central & Southern Scotland |
@SPEnergyNetwork |
| UK Power Networks | London, South East and East of England 0800 31 63 105 |
@UKPowerNetworks |