Please read: Important advice about emergency power cuts

National Grid ESO has indicated that Emergency Power Cuts are unlikely to happen this winter, however, ongoing reports in the news have led to some customers contacting us as they are unsure or concerned what this might mean for them.

We are contacting you to share information to help you understand the facts and provide advice on how to be prepared if your power supply is ever affected - whether by a routine local network issue, the impact of severe weather or a wider national energy emergency.

Regardless of the cause of a power cut, if you or someone you care for relies on electricity to power medical equipment and don't know what would happen to it in a power cut, you should speak to your healthcare or medical equipment provider now for advice. You should also ensure that you join our free Priority Services membership, so we are aware of any additional support or advice you may need due to your medical or personal circumstances.

Below is some important advice to support you and some Frequently Asked Questions to help you understand what an Emergency Power Cut is, what it means for our customers and what happens in the energy industry to prevent them. Further information is also available at northernpowergrid.com/emergencypowercuts  

Helping you be prepared

• Ensure you have a backup plan in place if you - or someone you care for - has any electrically powered medical equipment. If you don't have a plan speak to your local healthcare provider (GP/NHS) for clinical advice - or the equipment provider/manufacturer. Network operators, like Northern Powergrid, cannot do this for you.
• Regardless of the cause of a power cut, visit our be prepared page to see important advice and know what to do before, during and after a power cut - northernpowergrid.com/be-prepared. (Remember an Emergency Power Cut can last at least three hours each time, once or twice a day).
• Find your block letter now and note it down in a safe place in case you ever need it (it's an alphabetical letter that indicates where you are connected to our network). You can find it at the top of your energy bill or on powercut105.com/findoperator. During a national energy emergency and planned Emergency Power Cuts, you will also be able to get it by calling 105. A special service would be activated that directs you to where you can hear your block letter or be sent it by text.
• Visit northernpowergrid.com/emergencypowercuts to see further information including some additional frequently asked questions (FAQs) to those shown below to support you in making plans.
• If you are not a Priority Services Member visit northernpowergrid.com/care to find out more and join today online.
• Save this email.

National Grid ESO has indicated that Emergency Power Cuts are unlikely to happen this winter. We hope this information and the FAQs below provide helpful advice, support, and reassurance so you know what to do if your power supply is ever affected for any reason in the future.