Planned Interruptions
Sometimes we have to interrupt your electricity to carry out essential maintenance and to enable us to work safely on our equipment, although we do try to keep your power on wherever possible. If we need to interrupt your supply we will write to you giving the date and times we expect to switch the power off and on. We aim to give you at least 2 days notice to help you prepare for the interruption. If you require any further information and advice about a specific planned interruption, please contact us using the phone number at the top of the notification letter we send you.
If electricity is crucial to your health and you depend on electricity for special medical equipment ask to be included on our Priority Services Register. Make sure where possible that medical equipment has battery back-up.
Prepare before the supply is switched off
- If you rely on medical equipment make sure, where possible, that it has battery back-up
- Fridges and freezers – turn the temperature to the coldest setting 12 hours before the supply is due to go off and keep the door closed – only open if necessary.
- Appliances – switch off and unplug any sensitive appliances such as computers, satellite receivers, DVD players, TVs etc.
- Telephones –many modern telephones(cordless digital) won’t work in a power cuts check that they have battery backup or keep a charged mobile handy.
- Lights – leaving a light switched on will tell you when the power is restored.
- Burglar alarms – they are usually equipped with a battery backup, so they should work while the electricity is off.
Make yourself comfortable
- Prepare hot drinks in a vacuum flask.
- If necessary have a torch handy with charged batteries or candles for light – but do not leave candles unattended.
- Make sure you stay safe and comfortable, during cold weather dress warmly using several layers of clothing.
- If you have elderly neighbours please try to ensure they are safe, comfortable and wherever possible have some food or a warm drink.
- Remember street lights may also be off so take care if you have to go outside.
When the supply comes back on
- Wait for 5-10 minutes before turning your equipment back on.
- Reset timers on electrical equipment with clocks.
- The time switch for off peak supplies will not have to be reset.
- Pre pay meters will have the same credit as before the supply was switched off.
- If your supply does not come back on but your neighbours have please check your trip switch.
Generators
Some customers prepare for the possibility of outages by installing a standby electric generator to keep lights and appliances or life-support devices running until we can restore service. If you have a generator, be sure that it's installed safely. Before connecting a generator, the incoming supply must be switched off and isolated from your own electrical circuits and the generator. If it's not, you risk damaging your property and endangering the lives of Energy Networks employees who may be working on power lines some distance from your home.
