Page last updated on 19th August 2026
No power in your house? What to do in a power cut
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 when the power goes out or how to report a power cut can help you stay calm, prepared and keep your household safe.
What is a power cut?
A power cut, also known as a power outage, is a temporary loss of electricity to a home, business, building, street, or wider area. It can happen when the normal electricity supply is interrupted and can be either unexpected or planned.
Common causes of a power cut, according to the National Grid, include:
Extreme weather conditions such as storms, high winds and lightning, which can damage power line.
Scheduled maintenance, where electricity is temporarily switched off so engineers can safely repair, upgrade, or inspect the network.
In most cases, power cuts are temporary and electricity is restored once the issue has been identified and repaired.
Do I have a power cut?
You may have a power cut if your lights, sockets, or electrical appliances have suddenly stopped working and will not switch back on. A power cut can affect just your home itself, several houses on your street, or the wider local area.
To confirm whether you have a power cut, look for these signs:
Tripped switches on your fuse box.
Neighbouring homes or nearby businesses also appear to have no electricity.
Streetlights, traffic lights, or outdoor lighting are not working.
Your smart meter, Wi-Fi or some appliances that rely on electricity have stopped working.
What to do in a power cut
If you think you have a power cut, you should follow these steps:
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Look around you
Check whether the disruption is isolated to your home or affecting nearby properties too. You can speak to your neighbours, check whether nearby homes have lights on, or look outside at night to see if streetlights are working.
If neighbouring homes, businesses, or streetlights also seem to have lost power, it may be a wider power cut in your area.
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Check your fuse box
If the power cut seems to be affecting only your home, check your fuse box. Look to see whether a trip switch has moved to the “off” position.
If a switch has tripped and you’re wondering how to reset an electric meter after a power cut, unplug your appliances and reset the switch to “on”, if it is safe to do so. If the power comes back on, the issue may have been caused by an overloaded circuit or a faulty appliance.
If the switch trips again, do not keep resetting it. Leave the affected appliances unplugged and seek help from a qualified electrician.
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Turn off electrical appliances
During a power cut, switch off or unplug electrical appliances such as cookers, TVs, heaters, irons, hair straighteners and other devices that should not be left unattended.
This can help protect your appliances from potential power surges when electricity is restored.
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Avoid opening your fridge and freezer
Avoid opening your fridge or freezer during a power cut unless you need to. Keeping the doors closed helps maintain the cold temperature and reduces the risk of food spoiling.
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. Always check food carefully once power is restored and follow food safety advice if you are unsure., 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. Always check food carefully once power is restored and follow food safety advice if you are unsure.
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Stay warm
If your heating relies on electricity, try to keep warm while the power is off, especially during colder months. Wear warm layers, use blankets, close curtains, and stay in one room where possible to help retain heat.
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Look out for your community
Knowing how to prepare for a power outage can help protect both your household and the wider community. Check on neighbours, relatives, or anyone nearby who may need extra support, especially older or more vulnerable people.
Sharing helpful resources, advice, or updates can also make a big difference when people are unsure what to do in a power cut.
Electricity power cuts can affect households in many ways. Without power, you may temporarily lose access to the electricity needed to power vital appliances, keep food cold, or heat your home. That’s why it pays to know what to do when the power goes out before one happens.
Remember: if you ever suspect a gas issue, even if you are unsure, contact the Gas Emergency Line immediately.
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Extra support for vulnerable customers
Vulnerable customers are advised to sign up for the Priority Services Register (PSR). This free service can provide extra support and advice during a power cut for those who need it most.
Who do I call about a power cut?
If you have confirmed there is a power cut in your area, call 105 for free to report it or get updates. The 105 power cut helpline connects you to your local electricity network operator in England, Scotland and Wales, and it is available 24 hours a day.
Your electricity network operator is responsible for the local cables and power lines that deliver electricity to your area. Reporting the outage helps them understand where the disruption is happening.
You can also report a power cut or track one online through your local network operator’s website. If you are unable to report the power cut online, calling 105 is the simplest way to reach the right network operator.
How to prepare for power outages
Most power cuts are temporary, but preparing ahead can help you stay safe, comfortable and connected until the electricity supply is restored.
1. Keep a torch and batteries somewhere easy to find
If you’re wondering what to do in a power cut at night, have a safe light source at the ready. Keep a torch and spare batteries in an easy-to-reach place, such as a kitchen drawer, bedside table or hallway cupboard. It is also useful to keep a fully charged power bank ready so you can charge your smartphone even if the power is out.
2. Know where your fuse box and electricity meter are
If the fuse has tripped, knowing where the fuse box is located can help you restore power more quickly.
3. Protect electrical equipment with a surge protector
A surge protector helps protect electronics like smartphones and tablets against damage caused by power surges. Using surge protectors for valuable electronics can help prevent damage when the power comes back on.
You can also unplug appliances and devices during a power cut if they do not need to stay connected.
4. Keep non-perishable food or drinks available
While most power cuts are resolved within a couple of hours, it can still help to keep food and drink on hand 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 extra support during a power cut, you can sign up to the Priority Services Register (PSR). The PSR is a free service that provides additional advice and support during interruptions to essential utilities, including gas, electricity, or water.
You may be eligible for the Priority Services Register if you:
Are of pensionable age.
Are disabled.
Are blind or partially sighted.
Are deaf or hard of hearing.
Rely on medical equipment that needs electricity.
You can check the full eligibility criteria and register through 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 could smart meters help during a power cut?
Smart meters can help make power cuts easier to identify and respond to. Some smart meters are able to send outage information automatically, which can help energy suppliers and, in some cases, local Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), understand when and where electricity supply has been disrupted. 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.
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