Dial 105 in a power cut.  This is the new national number that automatically connects you to the power company.

Getting priority support in a power cut

Irrespective of who you pay your electricity bill to, your power is actually supplied by UK Power Networks: they own and run the physical cables and infrastructure.

They now have a scheme where anyone who might have special difficulties during a power cut can register for priority support.  This can include elderly people, young children, someone less mobile or someone with a health condition.  Just having one person of pensionable age in your household entitles you to regster.

Once you have registered, you get a priority phone number and regular updates on the power cut.  If the power cut goes on for any length of time you could get hot food, hot drinks and hot water, mobile phone charging and more.  In fact, they say “In certain scenarios we may also offer a free hotel overnight and transport to the hotel”

Those who rely on power to run medical equipment, such as dialysis or breathing apparatus, would also receive additional help.

Registration involves completing a short questionnaire. If you have family or friends, particularly those who are not online and who meet the criteria, you can register on their behalf if they are happy for you to do so.

Get more information about the priority scheme, and register online.