With winter just around the corner, we can expect wetter, windier and colder weather in the months ahead. From time to time, extreme weather conditions can cause problems to the UK electricity network.
Thanks to substantial investment in our network we have reduced the number of power cuts in major storms by 75% since 1998, and our customers have 30% fewer power cuts than the UK average. However from time to time severe weather conditions can still cause power cuts, and that’s why we’re working hard behind the scenes to prepare for any eventuality. Be assured that our dedicated and highly trained staff will do everything they can to restore power supplies quickly and safely if they are disrupted.
Getting ready for winter is something we all need to do and by thinking about how our families, businesses and communities could be affected will help us plan how to be better prepared.
If you or someone you know depends on medical equipment is chronically sick or disabled and may need a little extra help during a power cut, then why get more information or sign up to our Priority Services Register by clicking here or calling us on 0330 10 10 444.
To contact us during a power cut call 0800 001 5400 if you live in Cheshire, Merseyside, north Wales or north Shropshire or if you're in Central and Southern Scotland call 0800 092 9290.
Are you ready for winter? Check out or helpful hints and tips below or download our useful lelaflet here:
Medical Equipment
Ensure any medical equipment has battery back-up
Radios
Keep a battery powered radio and fresh batteries in your house, you may be able to receive updates on the incident
Lighting
Ensure you have a torch with charged batteries or a wind up dynamo torch. Leave it somewhere you can get to easily. You can also buy battery-powered lights that plug into a power socket and come on automatically during an outage
Heating
If you have an open fireplace keep an ample supply of dry firewood in an accessible spot. Portable heaters are a good alternative but please take care where you put them, make sure that any backup heat source meets all safety requirements and is approved for indoor use and never leave children alone with them
Telephones
Many digital telephones won’t work if power is interrupted so please try to keep at least one phone in your house that doesn’t run off of the mains supply. i.e. a traditional analogue telephone or charged mobile
Stair lifts
If you have a mains operated stair lift, check to see if there is a manual release handle that can be used to return the stair lift safely to ground level. Many stair lifts have battery backup. If yours does not, it may be possible to get one fitted
Vehicles
Keep your vehicle's fuel tank at least half-full because many service stations can't pump fuel during a power failure
Garage Doors
Know how to use the manual option on electric garage doors and electric gates
Insulation
Ensure your home is well insulated and free of draughts. This will ensure your home stays warm for a period of time should your supply be interrupted
Generators
If you have a generator, be sure that it's installed safely. If it's not, you risk damaging your property and endangering the lives of our employees who may be working on power lines some distance from your home
Keep warm
Make sure you have a supply of warm blankets close at hand