Page last updated on 16th March 2026
What to do if your power goes out?
While the electricity system in Great Britain is among the most reliable in the world, with a 99.999% reliability rate according to the National Grid, unexpected power cuts may happen from time to time. Learning what to do in a power outage or what to do in a power cut at nighttime can help you stay calm, prepared and keep your household safe.
This guide will cover what to do if you have a power cut and how to prepare for a power outage in advance, so you know what to do if it happens in the future.
Do I have a power cut?
A power cut, or power outage, refers to when there is a temporary disruption in the supply of electricity, usually affecting a specific building or region. Some of the most common causes of a power cut, according to the National Grid, include:
- Extreme weather conditions such as storms that can damage power lines
- Scheduled maintenance being carried out on the network
If you’re wondering “do I have a power cut?”, this can be verified by checking...
- If lights or electrical appliances have turned off and won’t switch back on.
- If streetlights or neighbouring homes don’t seem to have power – this could indicate wider disruption.
Power cut: what to do if your electricity goes out
Electricity power cuts can affect households in many ways. Without power, you can temporarily lose access to the electricity needed to power vital appliances, or to heat your home. So, it pays to know exactly what to do in a power outage. If you ever suspect a gas issue, even if you're unsure, you should contact the Gas Emergency Line immediately.
Vulnerable customers are advised to sign-up for the Priority Services Register (PSR) which can provide extra support and advice during these situations for those who need it most. You can learn more about the PSR here.
Who do I call about a power cut?
After confirming that there is a power cut in your area, report it to your local electricity network operator. This will inform them of the disruption, and they may give you an estimated resolution time.
If you want to know “how do I report a power outage?”, simply call 105 from your smartphone to reach the free national power cut helpline. Alternatively, you can visit your local network operator’s website to report or track power outages in your area.
We have put together a list of tips for power outages and immediate steps you should take when a power cut strikes:
-
Look around you
If you’re curious about what to do if you have a power cut, your first step should be to check if the disruption is isolated to your home or if it's a larger issue in your local area. Speak with your neighbours for confirmation or simply check whether neighbouring homes or streetlights at night seem to have power.
-
Check your fuse box
Locate your fuse box and check whether the trip switch is set to ‘off’. If this is the case, unplug anything plugged into the sockets and reset the switch to ‘on’ if it's safe to do so. If the problem is only in your home, resetting the fuse box may help restore power.
-
Turn off appliances
In the event of a power cut, switch off any electrical appliances like cookers and TVs. By unplugging them you can keep your household safe from any power surges that could cause damage once the power turns back on.
-
Avoid opening your fridge or freezer
To maintain the cold temperature and keep food from spoiling, avoid opening your fridge or freezer during a power cut. According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), your fridge should keep its contents protected for up to 4 hours during a power cut and 48 hours for a fully loaded freezer if left unopened.
-
Stay warm
If you use an electric heat source in your home, one of the most important tips for power outages is to stay warm, particularly during the colder months. Wearing thick clothing or layers, using blankets, and keeping curtains closed can help keep heat in.
If you’re dealing with a gas power outage, call the Gas Emergency line and get advice on what to do there.
-
Look out for your community
Learning how to prepare for a power outage benefits your household and the wider community. Check on your neighbours, especially the elderly and more vulnerable, and help where needed. Sharing resources like this guide can make a huge difference when wondering what to do when the power goes out.
How to prepare for power outages
Despite the reliability of Great Britain’s electricity system, it is good to be one step ahead in the event of an unexpected power cut. Here are some tips for power outage preparation:
1. Have equipment ready
If you’re wondering what to do in a power cut at night, store a torch and some spare batteries in an easily accessible location so that you can move around in the dark. Avoid using candles during a power cut as they can be unsafe.
It is also worth preparing a fully charged power bank so that you can keep your smartphone charged.
2. Know where your fuse box and electricity meter are located
If the fuse has tripped, knowing exactly where the fuse box is located will come in handy and help restore power quickly.
3. Protect electrical equipment with a surge protector
A surge protector is a device that protect electronics like smartphones and tablets against damage caused by power surges. Equipping valuable electronics with a surge protector can protect them from any damage once the power comes back on.
4. Have non-perishable food or drinks available
While most power cuts can be resolved within a couple of hours, it might be a good idea to have some food and drink available that does not need electricity or heat to prepare.
5. Sign up for the Priority Services Register (PSR)
If you or someone you know needs more support during a power cut, you can sign up to the Priority Services Register (PSR). This UK-wide service is completely free and provides extra advice and support to vulnerable persons when there’s an interruption to any of their utilities: gas, electricity, or water.
Some of the most common groups eligible to register are those with children aged under 5 years, those who have medical equipment that relies on power to function, those of pensionable age, and those who suffer a disability, are deaf or hard of hearing, or are blind or partially sighted. A full list of eligibility criteria can be found at the PSR website.
Depending on the cause or amount of damage caused, power cuts can be resolved fairly quickly. Knowing how to prepare for a power outage, who to contact and what to do if the electricity goes out can keep you safe and comfortable until the power comes back.
How smart meters could help
Smart meters are helping to make Britain’s energy system smarter. Some smart meters can automatically alert your energy supplier and, in some cases, your local Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) about power cuts. DNOs with certain systems in place can use this information to help identify and respond to power cuts more quickly.
Learn more about how switching to a smart meter can benefit you today, or enter the name of your energy supplier in the box below to book your smart meter installation today.
Find out more:
