Quick answer
In a power cut, first check whether your neighbours are also without power. If they are, call 105, the free national power cut number, to report it and get updates. If only your home is off, check your consumer unit for a tripped switch. Keep fridge and freezer doors closed, switch off sensitive appliances and leave one light switched on so you know when power returns.
Never use a generator, barbecue or camping stove indoors, treat any downed power line as live and stay well away, and if there is a fire, call 999.
How do I know if it is a power cut or just my home?
Start by looking outside. If streetlights are off or neighbours' windows are dark, the supply to your area has probably been interrupted. If the rest of the street is lit, the fault is more likely in your own home.
Then look at your consumer unit. If a switch is down, a protective device has tripped in your property, and that is not a power cut at all. If everything looks normal but the power is off and neighbours are off too, it is a network problem.
Who do I call in a power cut?
Call 105, the free national power cut number. You can call from a landline or mobile, and it connects you to your local network operator based on your postcode. You do not need to know who your electricity supplier is. Your network operator is the company that looks after the cables and substations, which is different from the company that sends your bill.
UK Power Networks is the network operator for London, the East of England and the South East, so it covers East London and Essex. If your phone battery is low, call rather than browse, as a voice call uses far less power than mobile data.
What is the Priority Services Register?
The Priority Services Register is a free service for people who may need extra help in a power cut. This can include people of pension age, families with young children, people with a disability or long-term health condition, those who rely on medical equipment that needs power, and others in vulnerable circumstances.
If you are on the register, your network operator can give you extra support and priority information during a cut. You can sign up through your network operator or your electricity supplier, and it is worth doing before you need it.
How do I keep food safe in a power cut?
Keep fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible. A closed fridge stays cold for several hours and a full freezer holds its temperature for much longer than a half-empty one. Opening doors lets cold air out and speeds up warming.
Once power returns, check food before you eat it. Throw away anything that was kept warm for too long, particularly raw meat, fish, dairy and cooked leftovers. Freezer food that is still frozen solid, or has ice crystals, is generally fine, but if in doubt, throw it out.
What should I switch off during a power cut?
When the supply comes back, there can be a surge or an unstable supply. It is sensible to switch off or unplug sensitive and heat-producing appliances, such as computers, televisions, ovens, hobs and electric heaters.
Leave one light on so you know when power is back, and leave the fridge and freezer plugged in. Keep a torch and a charged power bank or battery radio to hand. Use torches rather than candles, which are a fire risk.
What should I do when the power comes back?
Switch appliances back on gradually, rather than all at once. That avoids a sudden demand that might trip a breaker. If a switch at your consumer unit has tripped as power returns, it is often a sign that an appliance was damaged or has developed a fault during the outage.
How to find the fault safely if something trips after the power returns
If power returns and then an RCD or MCB trips, follow these steps. They only involve unplugging items and using the switches on the front of the unit.
- Unplug everything on the circuit that has tripped, and switch off lights at the wall where you can.
- Push the tripped switch firmly back up. Do not open the cover.
- If it stays on, plug appliances back in one at a time, leaving a few minutes between each.
- If a particular appliance trips it again, leave it unplugged. It may have been damaged by a surge or by moisture.
- If the switch will not stay up with everything unplugged, leave it off and call an electrician. Do not repeatedly reset it.
Is the problem on my side of the meter or the network's?
The network operator is responsible for the cables, substations and the supply up to your meter and service cut-out. Your electrician is responsible for everything after that, including the consumer unit, wiring and appliances.
If neighbours are off too, it is almost certainly the network's responsibility, so call 105. If neighbours have power and your consumer unit looks fine, the cause might be at the cut-out or meter. Do not touch it or break any seals, and call 105 to check the supply first. If the supply is fine and you still have no power, you need an electrician.
When to call an electrician
Call an electrician if only your property is off and you cannot find a tripped switch, if a switch will not reset after the supply is restored, or if you notice burning smells, scorch marks or damaged equipment. Anything on your side of the meter is a job for an electrician, not the network operator.
If you need help out of hours, PowerArc has a 24/7 emergency line on 07775 512758.
General information for homes in England, written by the electricians at PowerArc Ltd, Hornchurch. Last updated 16 October 2026. For advice on your own property, speak to one of our electricians.
