Information on what to do in the event of a planned emergency power cut.
Understanding how they could affect you and how you can prepare.
In the UK, the National Grid ESO (Electricity Supply Operator) has the responsibility to balance the energy market, ensuring that there is always enough energy available to meet the demands of homes and businesses. Against the backdrop of the ongoing global gas supply shortage, the National Grid ESO has indicated that emergency power cuts are unlikely this winter, but not impossible, and we should be prepared just in case.
Planned emergency power cuts would only happen when all other options have been considered, or there is a need to deal with a major energy supply shortage. They are a way to safely manage the electricity supply in an energy emergency so a supply and demand situation can be resolved more quickly. Procedures for planned emergency power cuts have existed for decades and are simulated in emergency exercises by the energy sector each year ahead of the winter.
For the most up to date advice and information on planned emergency power cuts please visit https://www.powercut105.com
What happens in a planned emergency power cut?
In the event that they are required, National Grid ESO will instruct Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) to reduce demand on the electricity network by temporarily switching off some customers’ supplies in a safe and controlled way, until there is 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 customer’s 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, or alternatively you can find it on the emergency power cuts website or by calling 105.
Typically, planned power cuts would be 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.
How will I know if an emergency power cut is happening?
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 a few days before a power cut is needed but this could be as short as 30 minutes’ notice depending on the situation.
What does this mean for ScottishPower customers?
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), which we share with the Distribution Network Operator’s to help them manage customers in emergency situations. However, being on the PSR does not mean that you will not be disconnected so it is important to be prepared.
Customers who should be on the PSR are those who need a continuous source of electricity for medical reasons or are deemed vulnerable for other reasons. 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.
How can I prepare?
Whilst emergency power cuts are unlikely, it is important to be prepared.
If you rely on electricity to power medical equipment it is vital that you have a plan in place and test your back up supply arrangements, so that you are ready if your power is ever affected. We strongly encourage any medical dependent electricity customers to also register for the Priority Services Register here.
It is also useful to follow the key tips below so you can keep warm and safe throughout:
Keep a torch handy.
Get a battery-powered or wind-up radio (useful for keeping up to date with relevant local news).
Keep warm – keep a blanket and warm clothing handy, and fill a vacuum flask or hot water bottle.
Stock your cupboard with food and drink that doesn’t require electricity to prepare.
Keep your mobile phone and laptop fully charged.
Check your Distribution Network Operator's website or social media channels for updates.
What should I do during a power cut?
Switch off all electrical appliances that shouldn’t be left unattended, ready for when the power comes back on.
Leave a light on so you know when the power outage has been resolved.
Check to see if your neighbours are okay.
Wrap up warm.
For the most up to date advice and information on planned emergency power cuts please visit https://www.powercut105.com
Where do I find my rota block letter?
The power network in Great Britain is sectioned into alphabetical blocks indicated by a single letter - all customer’s homes and businesses have an allocated ‘block letter’. Customers can find their block letter at the top of their energy bill/statement, or alternatively you can find it on the emergency power cuts website https://www.powercut105.com or by calling 105.
Who is my Distribution Network Operator (DNO) and what is their role?
There are a number of 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 https://www.powercut105.com/findoperator.
Last updated: 22 December 2022