Background information
The National Electricity Transmission System (NETS) transports electricity across the country. If this system failed, there would be a nationwide loss of electricity. This would not only have severe impact on the public but have consequences on all infrastructure sectors who rely on electricity to provide basic services. For more information on the NETS, follow the link to the National Grid’s website.
National Grid Electricity Transmission
We are reliant on the use of electricity for nearly all aspects of daily life for example, electricity is required at pumping water stations for water to be pumped to your house. Electricity is required for telecommunications to operate, without electricity mobile phone masts might not operate and it is likely there will be no mobile signal. Without electricity there would be no access to money as cash machines and cash registers would not function.
A nationwide loss of electricity would affect millions of people. The technical recovery process is sometimes called “black start”. It is estimated that that within a few hours of a national electricity loss small pockets of consumers would be gradually reconnected within intermittent power supply. Full restoration could take up to 7 days.
A national electricity loss incident has never occurred in the UK, and the UK has one of the most reliable energy systems in the world. However, it is good to be ready and prepare.
Local Risk Rating
Very High
What does the Local Resilience Forum do to prepare?
There are several risks that could result in loss of electricity some examples are:
- Severe weather
- Space weather
- Flooding
In Hampshire and Isle of Wight we work closely with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) to better understand the risk and what arrangements they have in place to prepare and respond to a widespread electricity loss. SSEN have well established plans and procedures to respond to power outages across Hampshire and Isle of Wight. Their response will range from management of a local incident to a national level disruption.
SSEN provide Power Track, a free app that gives you instant, up-to-date, and accurate information on any power cut which may be affecting their distribution areas in central southern England and, northern Scotland and the Highlands and Islands. Follow the link below to see Power Track.
We work closely with SSEN and community groups to develop community emergency plans. SSEN has provided funding to community groups, who have supported their plans by purchasing equipment such as generators, sleeping bags and torches.
In the event of a national power outage, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Resilience Forum have specific multi-agency arrangements to help respond to a loss of power and support the public, where possible, until the power is restored.
We are also aware that the electricity network is more complicated in urban regions, it is likely that rural areas will receive power more quickly. It is also likely that due to the geographical distribution of generation across the country in the North of the UK is like to have power restored quicker than the South of the UK.
Associated Risks
- Local electricity loss
- Gas network
- Loss of telecommunications
How can you prepare?
Before a power outage
Sign up to receive met office weather warnings
Download the power track app to your phone
Sign up to the Priority Services Register (if eligible)
Keep an emergency kit in your home containing items such as a wind-up torch, battery, or wind-up radio, supplies of food and drinking water
Make keeping your car fuel level above half a tank part of your regular pattern of refuelling
Identify any neighbours who might be vulnerable
Consider other power sources for your home, such as solar panels, generators or battery packs
Discuss the risk of power cuts with people you live with
Make sure your mobile phone is charged
Have some food and drink available that doesn’t require electricity to heat or prepare it
During a power outage
It may be possible use the power track app to identify the areas affected. Power Track (ssen.co.uk) or call 105
Check on any vulnerable neighbours
Reduce the number of times you open your fridge and freezer (items will last longer if you keep doors closed)
Stay Informed - tune in to local radio
Switch off electrical appliances so they aren't damaged when the power comes back on
Leave a light switched on so that you know when the power comes back on
Keep warm and safe
After a power outage
Stay far away from electrical or phone cables that are damaged
Reset digital clocks and alarms
Follow the Food Standards Agency's advice on food safety
Helpful links and resources
Met Office
Subscribe to email alerts, warnings and newsletters
You can keep up-to-date with our news by signing up for email alerts about specific topic areas that interest you.
SSEN Power Track
SSEN's Power Track allows customers to report and view live power cut information using their mobile devices. It helps Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) respond more quickly to outages, aiming to restore power faster.
Priority Services Register
The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free UK wide service which provides extra advice and support, including when there’s an interruption to your electricity, gas or water supply.
Food Standards Agency
Follow this link to learn more about food safety in a power cut. This website has advice for consumers on how to avoid food poisoning and food waste during a power cut or power outage at home.
