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Power Failure


Damaged Pylons

Damaged Pylons

Damaged Pylons

Power failures can occur at any time, but have a bigger impact during the winter and at night.

Power supplies are provide by a combination of the companies that sell the electricity (such as Powergen, EDF, etc.) and the company that provides the physical means to distribute the electricity along the power lines (National Grid). Although you can purchase your electricity from practically any energy company, here in the East of England the local company is EDF Energy.

Some residents need extra special care and services, so if you are:

  • of a pensionable age
  • disabled
  • chronically sick (long term)
  • poor sighted or have hearing difficulties
  • in need of special requirements, for example language difficulties

you may be eligible for special consideration with regard to power supplies. You can download a pdf copy of EDF Energy's priority service booklet from the EDF Energy website.

If the power is to be turned off deliberately, for essential maintenance or planned energy saving measures during shortages, the electricity companies will inform residents of the planned times. If the power goes of unexpectedly, it probably means there's been a breakdown and you should contact the company. Do not assume they know about it, nor that someone else will tell them!

To report a power cut or emergency to EDF Energy telephone 08007 838 838

If you see or know about any damage to power lines telephone 0800 780 078

How do I prepare for this incident?

Never connect a generator to your mains supply. Have it installed by a competent electrician. Many generators for personal use can damage sensitive electronic equipment.

  • Fill a vacuum flask with hot water boiled in the kettle and recharge mobile phones and rechargeable batteries for torches.

  • Cordless telephones don't work without electricity, so always keep a normal basic BT telephone easily available.

  • Have a standby battery-powered alarm clock available.

  • Keep a torch to hand (and check the batteries regularly).

  • Check on elderly or infirm neighbours and make them aware of the electricity supply interruption situation.

  • Computer operations:
    • Back up your work at regular intervals. Many applications will allow you to set up timed automatic back up.

    • Consider investing in an uninterruptible power supply (UPS)

What do I do during this incident?

  • When the power goes off, switch off electrical heaters and cookers to avoid a fire risk when the power is restored.

  • Check if it's just you who has lost supply or whether neighbours are affected too. If the problem appears to be affecting other properties, including street lights, notify EDF Energy.

  • If it is only you, check to see if all your electricity is off. If you've lost only part of your supply it could be a fuse or a fault with the wiring.

  • Check your fuses or trip switches:
    • If your trip switch is in the off position, try to move it back to the on positiom. If this works the power will come back on. There could be few reasons for this, the most common of which could be a blown light bulb. If the switch trips again immediately or very soon afterwards, there could be a more serious reson. Do not reset it but have it checked.

    • If the trip switch will not return to the on position there may be a fault with one of your appliances or the the house wiring circuits.

    • If your fuses are working and the trip switch is in the on position and you want the system checked make sure you are aware of any charges the electricity company will make if they come to your home and find the fault is with your wiring.

  • If you have a pre-payment meter with a key, do you need to charge it?

  • If you leave a light switched on when the electricity goes off, then you will know when your supply has been restored.

  • It is always best to switch off and unplug equipment including satellite receivers, video and DVD recorders, televisions, and computer equipment, etc. If you suffer a power cut while using your computer, it's a good idea to turn off the PC unit, monitor and printer. Wait for about an hour after the supply is restored before you turn on your equipment.

  • It may help if you can turn off your central heating time switch while the electricity supply is off.

  • Keep fridge and freezer doors closed. Contents should be safe for many hours but if in any doubt, dispose of the food if it appears to have defrosted.

  • To keep warm, stay in one room or even in bed and remember gas and oil central heating boilers generally won't work without electricity to power their pumps and fans.

  • Check on elderly, infirm or sick neighbours to ensure they are keeping warm. If you have a gas cooker you may be able to supply them with hot food or drink.

  • When using alternative forms of heating and lighting, use it safely. Never use equipment indoors which is designed for outdoor use.

  • Don't use candles if you can avoid it. If you have to, make sure they are securely fixed to a metal or china saucer. NEVER use plastic. Always keep them well clear of anything flammable, and NEVER leave lit candles unattended.

  • Never move an oil or bottled gas heater when it is lit.

  • Keep alternative heating and lighting devices away from all your curtains and furniture. Also keep curtains and furniture away from normal heaters so there is no risk of a fire when your electricity supply comes back.

  • Keep alternative heaters away from draughts, and try to eliminate draughts while allowing some ventilation.

  • Listen for information from local radio stations on your battery-powered radio. If you don't have one you could use your car radio.

  • Do not open your door to strangers. Electricity company personnel alwaysa have an identity card and will offer it for you to examine when they call. Make sure you examine it carefully before you open the door. If you in any doubt phone the police straight away. Geniune company personnel will be happy to wait while you telephone the company on 0845 603 9261 to check their identity.

  • Street lights may well be off so take care if you have to go out. Take a good torch with you.

What do I do after this incident?

  • Disposed of any food from your fridge or freezer if in any doubt that it may have defrosted

  • You may need to adjust and reset clocks and central heating and hot water boiler time switches, etc.

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