What is it?

The production of power is provided by our National Grid ESO (Electricity System Operator) – they are responsible for ensuring there is enough power in the system to supply our companies and our homes. 

This production is based on the supply and demand of what we require as domestic customers and companies. This process is known in the power industry as keeping the System “balanced”.

When there’s too much demand for electricity and not enough electricity being generated, it might be necessary to switch power off to homes and businesses. This is a last resort.

Before power is cut off, National Grid ESO will:

• Ask for more power to be generated.
• Ask large businesses to reduce how much power they’re using.
• Paying customers to use less energy at times of need. Find out if you can be paid to use less energy at times of need by speaking to your energy supplier. Ask them to tell you more about the Demand Flexibility Service.

What happens?

If there is a need for power cuts because of an energy shortage, power cuts would be shared across the country. This helps to reduce how much power Britain needs without switching everyone off at once.

It’s likely these power cuts will be publicised widely on social media and mainstream news channels, such as BBC News. As misinformation can spread quickly online, it’s important to check for news using a reliable source. For example, the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) in the Wiltshire and Swindon area is Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Energy shortages | UK Power Cut? Call 105 For Free | Find Your Electricity Provider (powercut105.com)

If there is an energy shortage, you could be switched off for around three hours. If the shortage is likely to last a few days, an emergency power cut rota will be published on this website. When you enter your postcode, you will be able to see when you will have a power cut the next day. You’ll also see a timetable showing when there is a risk of a power cut for the days after that, even if this isn’t confirmed. It will be important to keep checking your power cut rota every evening.