Power cuts

Sometimes electricity can go off. This can happen because of bad weather, accidents, or damage to power lines.

Power cuts can affect small areas or large regions. They can cause big problems for people and important services like transport, food, water, fuel, gas, money, and communication.

What can happen?

no electricity at home means no fridge, no clean running water, and no heating
travel problems – no traffic lights, road signs, or working fuel stations
no internet or mobile phone signal
shops and public services may close, which can cause problems
schools, offices, and businesses may close.
people who need extra help may be at risk in very cold or hot weather
hospitals and care services may struggle. Cash machines, tills, and online banking may not work.
medical equipment at home may stop working

What can you do?

Keep useful things ready at home:

torch and spare batteries
wind-up or battery radio (or use your car radio)
power bank for your phone or tablet
warm clothes and blankets (for winter)
food that won’t go off (like tinned food)

If you need extra help, join the Priority Services Membership with Northern Powergrid. This helps people who use medical equipment, have mobility problems, care for children, or have other needs. Visit their website or call 0800 169 2996.

If the power cut is local, stay with friends or family if you can.

Leave a light on so you know when the power is back.

Turn off things like irons, ovens, or electric fires so they are safe when power returns.

If you know a power cut is coming:

fill a flask with hot water
make sure you have food in the cupboard
prepare a hot water bottle
back up important files on your computer
keep your phone charged and write down important phone numbers
keep a small amount of cash at home. Cash machines and card payments might not work
check on neighbours or family who might need extra help

Northern Powergrid has lots of helpful advice for before, during, and after a power cut. Visit their Be Prepared pages for more information.

If you need to report a power cut or get updates:

call 105 (free). This will connect you to your local electricity network operator for help and advice
or visit the Powercut105 website

Know your block: Every home in the UK is linked to the electricity network through a substation. Each substation has a block letter. If there is a planned power cut, knowing your block letter will help you find out if your power will be affected.

You can find your block letter:

on your electricity bill
or on the Powercut105 website

You can also check planned and unplanned power cuts on the Northern Powergrid website.

If there is a big power cut, listen to:

BBC Radio 2
BBC Radio 4
BBC Radio Leeds (92.4 FM, 95.3 FM, 102.7 FM, 103.9 FM, 774 AM, or DAB radio) for updates.