Power Cut: Who to Call, and What Stops Working

When the power goes, the things you use to look up a number may go with it. Be Ready, the government's preparedness campaign, advises writing the important ones on paper and keeping them where you can find them in the dark.

105 for the power cut

In England, Scotland and Wales, 105 is free from most landlines and mobiles and connects you to your local electricity network operator, whoever you pay your bills to. In Northern Ireland the number is 03457 643 643, for NIE Networks. You can also report online on the operator's website.

105 is also for reporting damage to power lines and substations. Keep well away from them: Be Ready warns that electricity at high voltages can jump gaps with no warning. The British Red Cross says to call 999 if you think there is a significant risk to the public.

In the UK: 999 when someone is in danger

Call 999 or 112. Ofcom, the communications regulator, says these calls are free and work with no credit, and that if your own mobile network is down the call will automatically connect through another network if one is available. That is not a guarantee: Be Ready warns your mobile may stop working if the local mast is in the affected area.

Texting 999

The emergency SMS service is designed for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired. One fire service says anyone can use it, while Relay UK, which runs it, suggests using it only if you have no other option, because it is slower than a voice call.

You must register first, so do it now:

• Text the word register to 999.
• Read the automatic reply, then reply yes.
• Wait for the text confirming your mobile is registered. Register again if you change number.

In an emergency, text the service you need, what has happened and exactly where. Do not assume it arrived until someone replies. Relay UK says a reply can take a couple of minutes, and that if none comes you should call 18000 if you are able, or ask someone to call 999 for you.

Digital landlines

Landlines are moving to digital technology, which runs over your broadband connection. Ofcom says digital landlines need mains electricity and will not work in a power cut unless there is a battery back-up. BT plans to retire its old network by 31 January 2027. Other networks have not set dates.

If you rely on your landline and do not have a working mobile or reliable signal, tell your provider. It must offer a free back-up, such as a battery unit, lasting at least one hour. Some last up to seven hours. If you do not qualify, you can buy one.

Telecare alarms and health pendants may not work properly on a digital line, so tell your provider and the device supplier before the change.

The Priority Services Register

This free service in England, Scotland and Wales gives extra support when electricity, gas or water is interrupted. Reasons for joining include being of pensionable age, having a health condition, relying on power for medical equipment, and having young children at home. The register's own site says aged five or under; Be Ready says under 5. Northern Ireland has separate care registers, run by NIE Networks and NI Water. If you use medical equipment that needs power, make a plan with your care team now.

Keeping a phone charged

Charge phones and power banks whenever severe weather is forecast. Once the power is out, lower the screen brightness and turn on battery saver. Using your phone as a torch is a good way to end up with neither a torch nor a phone, so keep a real one. A battery or wind-up radio gives you updates without using your phone.

The short version

• Power cut or damaged lines: 105, or 03457 643 643 in Northern Ireland.
• Danger to life: 999 or 112 in the UK.
• Register for emergency SMS in advance if you may need it.
• Ask your provider whether your landline works in a power cut.
• Check whether you qualify for the Priority Services Register.

This is general information. Official instructions for your area always come first.

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What we read

1. GOV.UK, Be Ready: Power cuts
2. Ofcom: Your landline is going digital, what you need to know
3. Ofcom: Stay connected in severe weather
4. Relay UK: Contact 999 using Relay UK
5. Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service: Emergency SMS using Relay UK
6. The Priority Services Register
7. nidirect: Care registers
8. Electricity North West: New national phone line for power cuts (105)
9. NIE Networks: Power cut, faults and outage information
10. British Red Cross: Power cuts