Power outage: preparing your home

Power cuts are a common occurrence in the UK, often caused by factors such as severe weather, equipment failure, or planned maintenance. Preparing for these disruptions can transform them from moments of helplessness into manageable events. This guide offers clear, actionable advice on how to prepare for, manage, and mitigate the impact of power outages, helping you maintain control over your home's energy supply.

Power outages can be disruptive, but with Fuse Energy, you can build greater resilience for your home. Discover how our smart energy solutions and dedicated support can help you manage your energy supply more effectively. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today.

Understanding power outages

Power cuts, or electricity outages, can disrupt daily life, but understanding their causes and types can help you prepare more effectively. The UK has a resilient electricity system, and most outages are short-lived and local.

Common causes of power cuts

Power cuts in the UK typically stem from three main issues: weather, equipment failure, and planned maintenance. Extreme weather, such as storms, high winds, and heavy snow, can damage overhead lines, transformers, and substations. Equipment failure, including faults in cables, substations, or transformers, can also lead to unexpected outages. Finally, network operators sometimes schedule planned power cuts for essential maintenance and upgrades, though customers usually receive advance notice for these.

Types of power outages

Power failures can be categorised into generation shortfalls, transmission constraints, and local distribution faults. Local distribution faults are the most common, affecting a neighbourhood or town due to issues like a tree falling on a power line or a digger cutting a cable. These are typically resolved within hours. Broader system-wide outages, though rare, can occur if there is a generation shortfall where supply cannot meet demand across the entire system.

Preparing your home for a power cut

Proactive preparation significantly reduces the impact and stress of a power cut.

Building an emergency kit

An emergency kit is crucial for extended outages. It should include essential items such as a torch (battery or wind-up) and spare batteries (safer than candles), a battery-powered or wind-up radio for updates, essential medications, and a three-day supply of bottled water and non-perishable food that does not require cooking. Do not forget a manual can opener, pet supplies, and baby formula if needed. Keep mobile phones and power banks fully charged. It is also wise to have some cash, as ATMs and card readers will not work during an outage.

Creating a household plan

A household emergency plan ensures everyone knows what to do. This plan should detail how to turn off gas, water, and electricity supplies, list emergency contact numbers (both on paper and saved on mobile phones), and include a designated meeting point if you need to leave your home. Discuss the plan with your household and practise it regularly.

Checking your network operator

Knowing your electricity network operator is vital, as they are responsible for the physical infrastructure that brings power to your home. They are different from your energy supplier. You can find your local network operator by entering your postcode on the Energy Networks Association (ENA) website or by calling 105.

What to do during a power outage

When a power cut happens, quick and safe actions are key.

Immediate steps to take

First, check if the outage is limited to your home or if your neighbours are also affected. If it is just your property, check your fuse box for a tripped switch. If it is a wider outage, switch off all non-essential appliances to prevent damage when power is restored and to avoid a surge when the supply comes back on. Leave one light on so you know when power has returned. Keep fridge and freezer doors closed to preserve food.

Reporting a power cut: call 105

The national helpline to report a power cut or get information is 105. This free number connects you directly to your local electricity network operator in England, Scotland, and Wales. You can also report outages and track updates online via your network operator's website.

Staying safe and informed

Safety is paramount. Keep well away from damaged power lines or electrical equipment, as electricity can jump gaps. If there is an immediate risk to life, call 999. Use battery-powered torches instead of candles to avoid fire hazards. Stay warm by wearing layers and closing curtains and doors in unused rooms. Check on vulnerable neighbours, especially older adults, babies, and those with long-term health problems.

Enhancing resilience with modern energy solutions

Beyond basic preparedness, modern energy solutions offer greater control and resilience during grid disruptions.

The role of plug-in solar

Plug-in solar systems offer a way to generate your own electricity and reduce reliance on the grid. These small solar panel and microinverter systems plug into a standard wall socket, making them portable and suitable for many homes, including those of renters and flat-dwellers. They can offset household electricity demand during daylight hours, reducing the amount of power drawn from the grid.

A significant change in UK legislation, SI 2026/848, has applied to compliant plug-in solar since 27 August 2026, allowing connection via a standard BS 1363 plug. This regulation permits compliant kits with an 800W AC export limit per device to be self-installed. However, it is important to note that this legislation does not cover plug-in batteries or hybrid solar-battery systems. While plug-in solar can help offset your daytime energy use, it is not a complete solution for all energy needs during an outage, especially without battery storage for night-time use.

Understanding smart home energy management

Smart home technology can provide valuable insights into energy usage, helping you manage consumption more effectively. By understanding your patterns, you can make informed decisions to reduce demand, particularly during peak times or in anticipation of potential outages. This control helps optimise your energy use and can contribute to overall household resilience.

Fuse Energy's approach to resilience

The Fuse app is designed to help customers understand their consumption patterns. Plug-in solar is a great step for the industry, offering proactive energy solutions to reduce dependence on the grid and enhance household energy resilience. With 24/7 human customer support, Fuse provides assistance and peace of mind during unexpected disruptions like power cuts. Fuse's long-term vision aims to build a more resilient energy system, ultimately reducing the frequency and impact of power outages.

Support and resources during a power cut

Knowing where to turn for extra help and reliable information is crucial.

The Priority Services Register

The Priority Services Register (PSR) offers extra support to vulnerable customers during power cuts and other supply interruptions. You may be eligible if you: have reached State Pension age; are disabled or have a long-term medical condition (including mental health conditions); are recovering from an injury; have a hearing or sight condition; are pregnant or have young children (5 years old or under); have extra communication needs; or rely on medical equipment that requires a power supply. Registration is free and ensures you receive tailored support, such as advance notice of planned outages or priority assistance during emergencies. You can sign up by contacting your local network operator or energy supplier.

Official information sources

Beyond calling 105, several official channels provide reliable information during a power cut. Your local network operator's website is a primary source for updates and estimated restoration times. Following them on social media can also provide timely alerts. For broader emergency preparedness advice, GOV.UK provides comprehensive guidance.

The average UK home uses around 2,500 kWh of electricity per year, a figure that helps contextualise energy consumption.

Taking control of your home's energy resilience means being prepared for anything. With Fuse Energy, you get straightforward pricing, real-time usage data through our app, and 24/7 human customer support, giving you peace of mind. Switching is quick and easy, so you can start managing your energy more effectively today. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy. We are building a future where energy is abundant and accessible for everyone. Learn more about our mission to transform the energy landscape here.