How to prepare for a power cut

You should call Scottish Power Energy Networks on 105 if you experience a power cut, regardless of who you buy your electricity from.

Many people often mistakenly call their electricity supplier.

That’s why 105 has been introduced – to give you an easy-to-remember number to call that will put you through to the people who can help.

You should prepare a home emergency kit for use in the event of a power outage.

Ready Scotland’s home emergency kit checklist

Useful items to include in your emergency kit are:

• torch and spare batteries
• battery-operated radio and spare batteries (or a wind-up radio)
• mobile phone charger
• any essential medication, some toiletries and a first aid kit
• three days' supply of bottled water and ready to eat food (that won't go off)
• pencil, paper, a penknife, and a whistle
• spare keys to your home and car
• spare glasses or contact lenses
• putty or a repair clamp for fixing burst pipes

You should keep an emergency kit in your car in the event of a power outage.

Keeping extra supplies in your car could be useful if a power cut was to happen when you’re out and about, or as an additional supply to your home kit.

Items you could include are:

• a torch with charged batteries or a wind-up dynamo torch
• a fully charged power bank, so that you may be able to receive updates on the incident via your mobile phone
• a warm blanket
• warm clothes, jackets, and boots
• bottled water
• ready to eat food
• a first aid kit
• battery jump leads
• a map for unplanned diversions
• a reflective warning sign
• an ice scraper and de-icer
• a shovel for snow

Another helpful fuel tip

You should keep your fuel topped up regularly as many service stations can't pump fuel during a power failure so it’s a good idea to keep your vehicle's fuel tank at least half-full.

You should also make sure you know how to use the manual option on electric garage doors and gates

If you or someone in your home uses medical equipment that runs on electricity, you should:

• make sure its backup systems work properly
• make sure it has a backup battery that can last at least three hours in the event of a power cut
• join SP Energy Networks Priority Services Register by:
  • completing their Priority Services Register Form
  • calling SP Energy Networks on 0330 10 10 167

Once on the register, SP Energy Networks will contact you proactively if they know of any problems in your area and you’ll receive a dedicated number to contact 24/7.

When you join SP Energy Networks Priority Services Register, they'll contact you proactively if they know of any problems in your area and you’ll receive a dedicated number to contact 24/7.

You can join the Priority Services Register if you:

• are over the age of 60
• have a special communication need
• depend on electricity for home or medical care
• have a child under five years of age
• have a chronic illness

You can also register if you feel you need support for a short period of time, for example if you're:

• recovering from an operation
• pregnant
• recently bereaved

Sign up at SP Energy Networks: Priority Services Register, or call 0330 10 10 167.

If your power goes off unexpectedly you should:

• check to see if your neighbours still have electricity – if their power is also off, you should call SP Energy Networks on 105 – don't assume that they will know that your power has gone off
• if your neighbours still have power but your home doesn't, it's likely there is a problem with the fuses or trip switches in your home – visit SP Energy Networks: What to do in a power cut for advice on how to check your trip switch and fuses

More useful power cut advice

1. Unplug sensitive appliances such as TVs, satellite equipment and computers.
2. Switch off and unplug appliances, especially items such as fires, cookers, irons and hair straighteners, in case you forget they’re on when power is restored.
3. Leave a light switched on so you know when power is restored.
4. Avoid opening your fridge or freezer more than necessary.
5. Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours to ensure they are safe and comfortable.
6. Limit the use of your laptop or smart phone to save battery power.
7. Take care outside as street lighting may also be off.
8. Many central heating systems and water heaters will not work – portable heaters are a good alternative, but take care where you put them.
9. Livestock, fish and pets may be vulnerable during a power cut – ensure adequate provision is made, or contact the SSPCA (The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) for advice.
10. When power is restored, turn your appliances back on one at a time.

Emergency power cuts are only implemented to protect the electricity network from more damage.

If there isn’t enough electricity to power every home and business in Britain at the same time, the Electricity System Operator (otherwise known as National Grid ESO) – which is responsible for ensuring there is enough power to meet demand – could instruct the companies which operate the local power network to reduce electricity demand through emergency power cuts.