Power Cut Checklist: Who to Call, What to Switch Off and How to Stay Warm

Check your street and trip switches, then call 105 for outages (or 0800 111 999 for gas)
Switch off risky appliances, protect food in unopened fridges/freezers and leave one light on
LEAP can help you understand bills, cut usage and plan so your home stays warm and safe

Power cuts can be scary, especially if you’re already worrying about the energy you use. The good news is that most outages are short, and with a little planning, you can get through them safely and comfortably.

Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide on what to do in a power cut, plus some easy ways to prepare your home in advance.

First checks and who to call

If your power goes off unexpectedly:

Check the street.
Look outside or ask a neighbour if their power is out too. If they still have electricity, the problem may be with your fuse box or trip switch.
Check your trip switches.
If one has flipped, turn off your appliances and try resetting the switch. If it won’t reset, you may need an electrician.
Call 105 for a power cut.
If it looks like a wider outage, dial 105. This puts you through to your local electricity Distribution Network Operator (DNO) who maintains the cables and lines to your home.
If you smell gas, call the National Gas Emergency Service
Call them on 0800 111 999 immediately. If you see fallen power lines, stay well away and call 105 or 999.

If you rely on electricity for medical equipment or have serious health issues, tell your DNO. You may be eligible for the Priority Services Register, which offers extra support during power cuts.

What to switch off and what to leave on

Cookers, ovens, chip pans, irons and electric heaters (anything that would be unsafe if it suddenly came back on)
Sensitive electronics like TVs and computers, to protect them from a surge when power returns

One main light in a room you’ll notice, so you can tell straight away when the power is back.

Keep fridge and freezer doors closed. The Food Standards Agency and National Grid advise that a fridge can keep food safe for several hours and a full freezer can stay cold for up to 48 hours if unopened.

Cut draughts and close curtains in the evenings: it makes rooms cheaper to heat and they’ll stay warmer longer if the power goes off.
Only heat the rooms you use most and get used to shutting doors. That same habit keeps warmth where you need it during an outage.
Stagger high-power appliances (like tumble dryers, kettles and electric heaters) instead of running everything at once. This not only reduces peak usage and cost, it also lowers the chance of overloading circuits and tripping your own power.

Your energy supplier is the one to call. Tell them you’re struggling and ask about:

Emergency or additional support credit (for prepayment meters)
Affordable repayment plans if you’re in debt
Any extra help if someone in your home is vulnerable

If you’re not sure whether it’s a cut or a credit issue, check your meter display and ask your supplier to talk you through it.

<h2>How LEAP can help you plan your energy use

LEAP can:

Help you understand your bills and meters so there are fewer surprises
Look at your heating, hot water and appliances to find the easiest savings
Suggest simple, low-cost changes (like draught-proofing and better heating schedules) to keep you warmer for less
Point you towards extra support if you’re worried about energy debt or keeping your home at a safe temperature

If you’d like to feel more prepared (for both everyday bills and the odd power cut) a LEAP energy advice session can help you build a plan that keeps your home as warm, safe and affordable as possible.