It’s only once the power goes out that we truly realise just how much we rely on it, and as a power cut can last anything from a few seconds to several hours, knowing what to do when it happens can be crucial. From staying safe to reporting, we cover it all in our latest blog.
Quick summary:
- Check to see if your neighbours are affected
- If your neighbours have power, the problem is more likely to be an issue with the fuses or trip switches in your home
- Switch off or unplug more expensive items
- Contact 105 or UK Power Networks to report the cut
- Book a trusted London electrician if faults remain after power restored
What causes a power cut?
There are many reasons a power cut can happen. Sometimes it’s purely accidental, other times it’s part of planned maintenance, and quite often, a power cut can stem from severe weather affecting power lines or systems.
Below, we’ve outlined the common causes of a power cut:
- Severe weather: Storms and high winds can bring down trees or branches that crash into overhead power lines, causing them to snap or break. Lightning can also be disruptive, with strikes hitting power lines or transformers, resulting in massive surges that blow fuses or trip protection systems.
- Physical damage & accidents: A vehicle collision with a utility pole or ground-level transformer could knock the power out. It’s also possible for excavation on construction sites, or even digging in the garden, to destabilise the supply when lines get severed.
- Grid issues or equipment failure: Electricity grids must carefully balance generation and consumption. If demand outweighs supply, systems may shut down to prevent overloading. Occasionally, items that help to supply electricity may break down. Fuses, circuit breakers and transformers may all become faulty and see the supply or power terminated until it is fixed.
- Planned maintenance: Utility companies will often need to shut off the power if essential work is required. In most cases, you will be warned of this, allowing you to prepare accordingly.
Preparing for a power cut
Power cuts aren’t predictable, so it can pay to be ready before one happens. A few simple steps can make a huge difference:
- Keep a torch and spare batteries in an easy-to-find location. Relying on your phone will drain the battery that you might not be able to charge for a long time.
- Make sure at least one mobile phone is regularly charged so you aren’t caught short when reporting the cut.
- Know where your fuse box is and how trip switches work.
- Keep a blanket or two spare, especially in winter. Your property may get cold very quickly.
- Remember your digital landline will not work during a power cut as it relies on a broadband router for connection. The copper phone network is due to be switched off in Jan 2027, so ensure you have a mobile as a backup.
How do I report a power cut?
Power cuts can come by surprise. This sometimes means the National Grid or energy suppliers may not be aware of the issue until you report it.
If you have a power cut in London, you can report it in several ways:
- Call 105. This is a free emergency number for England, Scotland and Wales
- Call 0800 31 63 105 if the 105 number does not work
- Report it via the National Grid online reporting system
If the power cut has already been acknowledged by UK Power Networks or the National Grid, they may be able to provide information relating to how long the power will be off and the cause of the issue.
How long does a power cut last?
It varies. Power cuts can last just a few minutes, but may also last several hours. Much depends on what caused it, the extent of any damage to the network (if any), the location of the power failure and how long it may take to make the area safe.
You can get up-to-date information through the National Grid power cut map. This will tell you the affected areas and when power is likely to be restored.
What should I do in a power cut?
If you suddenly have a loss of power at home or work. Don’t panic. Quite often, the power will return within just a few seconds or minutes. However, this isn’t always the case. Follow the steps below to help you establish the possible problem:
- Check neighbouring properties and see if they still have power
- If they do, check your fuse box and see if any switches have tripped. If they are off, turn them back on. If they are on, turn them off, then back on.
- Do the same with the trip switch for the main supply.
- If the power trips immediately and your neighbours still have power, you should contact a London electrician to investigate the issue.
- If your neighbours do NOT have power, it’s likely a wider problem than just your household! Contact 105 to report the issue.
- Unplug items such as TVs, computers and games consoles. A sudden surge of power could damage them.
- Leave one light switched on so you can see when power is restored
- Do not open your fridge or freezer more than necessary. Your items should remain chilled/frozen for up to 12 hours.
- If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours, check on them if you can to see they are OK.
- Remember that you may need your phone, so preserve the battery as long as possible
- Once power is restored, turn each appliance back on, one at a time.
Could I have a power cut when my neighbour doesn’t?
It’s quite possible. Even though you might be next door to one another, they may be supplied by different cables. This could see a fault affecting your home but not your neighbours.
Will I always be told of planned work that may result in a power cut?
You should be. UK Power Networks state that they will “give as much notice as possible unless it’s an emergency. We’ll send you an advanced warning letter 12 days before we carry out the work.”
If you have not received any letters about planned work, it might be worth contacting UK Power Networks to check they have the correct information for you. Often, mail like this is dismissed as junk and may be thrown out rather than read.
What if I have essential medical equipment?
If electricity is crucial for any medical equipment, you should contact UK Power Networks to see whether you are eligible for their Priority Register for assistance during power outages. This also extends to telecare services such as fall alarms.
Do this at the earliest opportunity. Leaving it until a power cut occurs may mean you can’t get the support when you need it. You can register for free here and have a plan in place for when power fails, and you need support.
Will I get compensation if I have a power cut?
You might be entitled to compensation in the event of a power cut. It will all depend on how long you are without power.
Under Ofgem’s Guaranteed Standards, a normal-weather fault must be restored within 12 hours, affected customers will be entitled to £95. In severe weather, compensation can vary. Our table below shows rates as of April 2026.
| Situation | When you qualify | Domestic payment | Business payment |
| Normal weather power cut (fewer than 5,000 homes affected) | Power off for more than 12 hours | £95 then £40 per further 12 hours, capped at £360 | £180 then £40 per further 12 hours, capped at £360 |
| Normal weather power cut (more than 5,000 homes affected) | Power off for more than 24 hours | £95 then £40 per further 12 hours, capped at £360 | £180 then £40 per further 12 hours, capped at £360 |
| Severe weather – Storm category 1 | Power off for more than 24 hours | £85 then £40 per 6 hours, capped at £2,000 | £85 then £40 per 6 hours, capped at £2,000 |
| Severe weather – Storm category 2 | Power off for more than 48 hours | £85 then £40 per 6 hours, capped at £2,000 | £85 then £40 per 6 hours, capped at £2,000 |
| Repeated cuts | More than 4 cuts of 3+ hours each in a year | Extra £95 | Extra £95 |
| Planned work without proper notice | Required advance notice was not given | £40 | £40 |
Payments are usually made automatically by cheque to the affected property. You can’t claim if the cut was planned work you were properly notified of, an internal fault in your own wiring or a disconnection for non-payment.
How London Property Services can help
Power cuts are never welcome, but if your power has been restored and you are still having issues, a London fault finding electrician can help. Our qualified specialists will carefully check your property and identify, diagnose and rectify electrical faults in both residential and commercial properties. With emergency call-out available, we can dispatch an emergency electrician in London quickly, keeping downtime minimal. Contact us today to book your electrician or find out more about our services.
