Background information
This risk relates to the failure of the National Electricity Transmission System (NETS) which transports electricity across the country. A nationwide loss of electricity would not only have severe impact on the public but have consequences on all infrastructure sectors who rely on electricity to provide basic services.
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 national electricity loss incident has never occurred in the UK, and the UK has one of the most reliable energy systems in the world.
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.
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 Powertrack, 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.
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 have specific arrangements to help us to respond to a National Power Outage and support the public 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 https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails
Download the power track app to your phone Power Track (ssen.co.uk).
if you or someone in your home is over the age of 60, has a child under the age of 5, relies on electricity for medical reasons, or may need extra support in a power cut register for priority services.
Keep and 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.
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)
