In the UK, the National Grid ESO (Electricity Supply Operator) is responsible for balancing the energy market to ensure that there’s always enough energy available to meet the demands of homes and businesses. Planned emergency power cuts are used to safely manage the electricity supply in an energy emergency.
Procedures for planned emergency power cuts have existed for decades. They’re simulated in emergency exercises by the energy sector ahead of winter every year.
It’s important to note that planned emergency power cuts only occur as a last resort, or in response to a major energy supply shortage.
With the ongoing global gas supply shortage, the National Grid ESO has indicated that emergency power cuts are unlikely this winter. However, as they are not impossible, we should all be prepared just in case.
For the most up to date advice and information on planned emergency power cuts, please visit www.powercut105.com
If a planned emergency power cut is required, National Grid ESO will instruct Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) to reduce demand on the electricity network. The DNO will do this by temporarily switching off some customers’ energy supply in a safe and controlled way, until there’s enough electricity for everyone. In most cases, this will be announced a few days ahead of the power cut.
The power network in Great Britain is sectioned into alphabetical blocks indicated by a single letter, and all energy customers’ homes and businesses have an allocated ‘block letter’. This can be used to action a planned emergency power cut through a specific rota for each ‘block letter’ for a set period to manage demand. Customers can find their block letter at the top of their energy bill/statement. Alternatively, you can find it at www.powercut105.com or by calling 105.
Typically, planned power cuts are kept to a three-hour period until the shortage is resolved and the network can safely go back to normal. This would be managed by a national timetable spread across the UK. The whole country would not be without power at once.
If emergency power cuts are needed this will be communicated through national and local news channels and on the Government’s social media pages. Ideally, this will occur a few days before a power cut is needed. However, it could be as short as 30 minutes’ notice depending on the situation.
To find out if you will be affected by a planned power cut, you’ll need your block letter found at the top of your energy bill/statement. You can then check with your Local Network Operator by calling them or visiting their website (find out who this is at www.powercut105.com or by calling 105).
We have no control over the scheduling of emergency power cuts, but we are still focused on supporting our customers. Crucially, we need to ensure that all vulnerable customers are on our Priority Services Register (PSR). We share our PSR with the Distribution Network Operator to help them manage customers in emergency situations. However, it’s important to be aware that being on the PSR does not mean that you will not be disconnected.
Our PSR is free to join and provides you with access to a range of services to help you manage your energy account if you need extra support. Some of the reasons you might want to join our PSR are if you or someone in your household is a pensioner, has a child, needs a continuous electricity supply for medical equipment, is blind or partially sighted or is struggling financially.
If you are not currently on our Priority Services Register and think you or someone you know qualifies as a vulnerable customer, please let us know by registering here.
Whilst emergency power cuts are unlikely, it is important to be prepared. Here are key tips to keep warm and safe during a planned emergency power cut:
For the most up to date advice and information on planned emergency power cuts, please visit www.powercut105.com
According to Food Standards Agency, your fridge should stay cold for up to four hours in a power cut. The food in your freezer should stay frozen for up to 48 hours in a full freezer (or 24 hours if it’s half full). But keep in mind that these are estimates. Find out more at www.food.gov.uk
The power network in Great Britain is sectioned into alphabetical blocks indicated by a single letter. All energy customers’ homes and businesses have an allocated ‘block letter’. You can find your block letter at the top of your energy bill/statement. Alternatively, you can find it on the emergency power cuts website at www.powercut105.com or by calling 105.
There are several DNOs across the UK who are responsible for the power lines and infrastructure that connect your home or business to the National Grid network. They are separate businesses to your energy supplier who you pay for your gas and electricity. To find out who your DNO is visit www.powercut105.com/findoperator.
Last updated: 27 November 2024