Be prepared for winter power cuts
*PLEASE BE AWARE THIS IS AN OLDER POST AND THERE MAY BE A MORE UP TO DATE POST, OR UPDATED INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ *
With the ongoing energy crisis, it’s possible that we may see electricity shortages this winter. If there is a shortage, National Grid can do several things to make sure there’s enough electricity. As a last resort, this could be a series of power cuts. However, in most cases there‘d be some time to prepare for this.
We’ve shared our advice on what to expect and how you can prepare in the case of an emergency power cut.
How likely are emergency power cuts?
There are already two new measures put in place by National Grid to help manage demand this winter.
Coal fired power stations are staying open this winter
Incentives to limit energy use during peak periods
Emergency power cuts are another tool that can be used to manage energy supply and demand. If used, these disconnections will be temporary, part of a controlled plan and power will be restored automatically.
Who will be affected by emergency power cuts?
There are two types of emergency power cuts:
Short term disconnection
Rota disconnection
If emergency power cuts happen this winter it’s likely they will be rota disconnection and won’t impact the same area each time.
How long will emergency power cuts be?
Planned power cuts will usually last around 3 hours at a time. They’re most likely to happen at teatime and into the evening, but could happen at any time in the day.
What if I’m on the priority services register?
Priority Services Register (PRS) customers aren’t protected during emergency power cuts so will lose supply. However, distribution network operators (DROs) will always prioritise contacting customers who are medically dependent on their power supply.
DROs and suppliers will try to contact PRS customers ahead of a power cut to let them know the start and end time. Where there isn’t enough notice to let customers know in advance, they will contact PRS customers to let them know when power will be restored.
How can I find out when power cuts are scheduled for my area?
If rota disconnections happen, power cuts will take place over 3 hour periods in different ‘block letter’ postcodes each time. Block letters should be on your gas or electricity bills or can be checked by inputting your postcode on powercut105.com.
The disconnection schedule will be published on powercut105.com, and the government and National Grid will publicise power cuts through news, social media and websites. However, this information won’t be personalised so you’ll need to check the schedule for your block letter.
What can I do to prepare for short term power cuts?
During a power cut lights will go out, heating may stop working, electrical cooking appliances won’t work, communications may be affected and medical equipment may need a back-up plan. Food kept in the fridge or freezer may also need to be thrown away, if turned off for more than four hours.
Tips for preparing for a power cut:
Have an alternative light source ready (e.g. candles, battery torch)
Fill a hot water bottle before the power cut
Dress warmly with layers
Close doors and curtains to reduce heat loss
If you have a gas hob or oven, keep a supply of matches
Fill a flask with hot soup or water before the power cut
Stock up on food that doesn’t need electricity to prepare
Charge mobile phones, laptops and power packs
