The network operator and your energy retailer have different jobs
Your electricity supplier sells you energy and manages your account. The distribution network operator looks after the local network delivering electricity to properties. Calling 105 connects you to the network service for power-cut information and reporting.
A household electrician cannot restore a fault on the public network. Equally, a network repair does not resolve a defect inside your house. Explain the address and the pattern rather than assuming that every loss of power is a billing or wiring issue.
Contact 105 for a suspected network power cut
Contact 105 for a suspected network power cut
Reported power cuts in the area, damage to network equipment or a street affected by an outage are reasons to contact the network operator. Keep away from damaged cables and equipment; do not approach or handle them to take a better photograph.
One neighbour having power does not rule out a supply problem at your address. If you are unsure, 105 can help with the network question. Tell an electrician what the operator has said if the problem then needs an internal investigation.
When you need an electrician
When you need an electrician
A socket that has stopped working, lights that repeatedly fail or a circuit that trips during ordinary use may need an electrician. Describe what is affected, what remains working and any obvious heat, damage, smell or water involvement.
For a flat or shared building, the managing agent may control access to communal electrical rooms. Equipment ownership can cross boundaries between the network, metering and your installation. Do not open sealed or shared equipment to try to decide where the responsibility changes.
Who to call in an emergency
Who to call in an emergency
For fire or immediate danger to life, get away from the danger and call 999. Do not wait for a routine enquiry response.
For an internal fault without an immediate emergency, call Max with the symptoms and postcode to discuss availability. If the matter concerns your bill, tariff, account or meter arrangements, start with the supplier or the organisation responsible for that equipment.
What to share with your enquiry
- Your address and the extent of the outage
- Any power-cut information for the area
- What still works at the property
- What the network operator or supplier has said
- Any shared-building access arrangements
Questions answered
Who should I call about a power cut?
Call 105 for a suspected electricity-network power cut. Contact your supplier about a faulty meter or prepayment credit. An electrician investigates faults within your installation, such as a dead socket or a circuit that repeatedly trips.
Ask Max about thisCan an electrician move the supply fuse or meter?
Do not assume this is included in ordinary installation work. Ownership and permissions need to be clarified with the relevant network or metering organisation.
Ask Max about thisWhat should I do if there is a fire?
Leave the danger, stay out and call 999. Do not wait for an electrician to reply to an online enquiry.
Ask Max about thisWho do I call if my prepayment meter has run out of credit?
Contact your electricity supplier for a loss of supply caused by prepayment credit or a faulty meter. A reported network power cut goes to the network operator through 105. Explain what the meter shows without opening it; the right contact depends on which problem has occurred.
Ask Max about thisCan I report a power cut if my neighbours still have electricity?
Yes. Tell the network operator what is affected and use its power-cut information; a neighbour having power does not by itself settle the cause at your property. If the supply is confirmed available and the problem is within your installation, an electrician can investigate that separate fault.
Ask Max about thisSources and further reading
Read the original guidance relevant to this question. Building Regulations and rental-law references here relate to England.