When the lights go out, find a torch and check whether the problem affects just your home or the surrounding area. Keep the fridge and freezer closed while you do that. A few calm checks can help you reach the right service and preserve the supplies you already have.
For a UK power cut, free 105 connects callers in England, Scotland and Wales with their electricity network. Northern Ireland uses 03457 643643. The UK Government’s power-cut guidance confirms that distinction. Write the appropriate number down before you need it, alongside your postcode and any essential contacts.
Check your home and the street
Check another light or room, then see whether nearby homes are affected. One dark house does not establish an area outage, and one lit window does not rule one out. A neighbour may be using a battery lamp. Use those observations to guide the next check rather than walking around in darkness testing everything.
If it is safe, look at the fuse box or consumer unit for a tripped switch. Use the normal accessible controls only and follow the instructions for your installation. Do not remove covers, touch exposed wiring or approach equipment that is wet, damaged or smells burnt. A switch that trips repeatedly needs a qualified electrician, rather than repeated attempts to force it on.
If the wider area is affected, call 105 where applicable to report or check the power cut. Have the address and postcode ready, and note any update you receive. An estimated restoration time can change, so plan around your immediate needs while waiting rather than treating the first estimate as a promise.
The first checks at a glance
| Priority | Action | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Lighting | Use a torch or battery lantern | Move around without relying on a flame |
| Extent | Check rooms, neighbours and the trip switch safely | Distinguish a home fault from an area outage |
| Updates | Call 105 in Great Britain | Report or check with the electricity network |
| Food | Keep fridge and freezer doors closed | Retain cold air |
| Electronics | Unplug sensitive equipment if safe | Protect equipment when supply returns |
| People | Check vulnerable neighbours and essential support | Find out who needs help early |
Use battery lighting and protect equipment
Choose torches or battery lanterns instead of candles where possible. Put a light where people can find it and keep walking routes clear. Avoid using your phone torch continuously if you have another light available: the same battery may be needed for calls and updates.
Unplug sensitive electronics such as a computer or television if you can reach the sockets safely. Switch off heat-producing appliances that could restart unattended. Leave one light switched on to show when the supply returns. These steps help you notice restoration without having every appliance start at once.
Keep cold food cold
Keep the fridge and freezer shut as much as possible. Repeatedly opening them to see whether the contents are still cold works against that aim. Decide what you need before opening a door, and use food that does not require refrigeration where practical while you wait.
Do not assume an outage will end quickly or that food is safe based only on its smell. When power returns, follow current food-safety guidance for the circumstances. The duration and conditions matter. Avoid giving yourself a fixed safe-time promise without checking the relevant guidance and the condition of the appliance.
Keep the phone available
A charged power bank is a useful first option. Use a sound cable and put the phone and bank somewhere dry and stable. Reduce screen brightness, use battery-saving settings and avoid unnecessary video or repeated refreshing of updates. Keep enough charge for essential calls and messages.
A compatible car USB port or charger can also help. Follow the vehicle manual, and if the engine is running, park outdoors in open air, with the exhaust clear. Never run a car in a closed garage or another enclosed space. Disconnect charging equipment when finished. Our guide to charging a phone during a power outage compares the options.
A car inverter may power suitable small chargers, subject to both its rating and the vehicle socket limit. It cannot make a low-power socket suitable for a kettle or heater. Never connect its output to a household wall socket. Read what a car can power during a cut and how a power inverter works before planning that backup.
Check people who may need support
Contact vulnerable neighbours if you can do so safely. Ask what help they need rather than assuming they have a charged phone, light or someone checking on them. Keep your own routes safe and avoid entering a dark property with electrical damage. If someone faces immediate danger, seek emergency help.
Ask your energy supplier about the Priority Services Register before the next outage. Ofgem explains the extra support available and how to register. Discuss your circumstances and keep details up to date. Registration does not guarantee continuous electricity, so essential equipment also needs an appropriate backup plan agreed with its provider.
Prepare again when the power returns
Check that the supply appears stable, then reconnect equipment carefully and look for anything that needs attention. Recharge the power bank, replace used torch batteries and put the lights back in their usual place. A written contact list and a small, charged set of essentials make the next interruption easier to manage.