In short: Electricity North West, which now also uses the name SP Electricity North West, runs the local electricity network in North West England, from the Lake District to Manchester. To report a power cut, call 105 free or use the online form on its website, where you can also check its live fault list. Its priority services register is called the Extra Care register, and most compensation is paid automatically.
Key facts
- Electricity North West's network covers North West England, stretching from the Lake District to Manchester and the towns and villages in between. Source
- Electricity North West says you can call 105 to report a power cut or damage to its equipment, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Source
- The Extra Care register is SP Electricity North West's name for its priority services register; you can join online, on 0800 195 41 41 or by emailing [email protected]. Source
- In normal weather, homes can get £100 if power is off for more than 12 hours (fewer than 5,000 properties affected) or more than 24 hours (5,000 or more affected), plus £45 for each further 12 hours. Source
- Electricity North West advises that losses beyond loss of supply should be claimed through your home or business insurer. Source
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If your power has gone off anywhere in North West England — from the Lake District down to Manchester — the company to contact is Electricity North West. It runs the local electricity network and is responsible for fixing faults. This page sets out how to report a cut, where to check for updates, what to do while you wait, and what help and compensation are available.
We are an independent guide, not Electricity North West. We don't show live outage information. For current faults and restoration updates, use Electricity North West's own power cuts page or call 105.
A note on the name
Electricity North West's website now uses the name SP Electricity North West — for example on its About us page and its Extra Care register page — alongside the original Electricity North West logo. You may see either name. The website is still enwl.co.uk and the number to call is still 105.
Electricity North West power cut: quick answers
| What you need | Where to go |
|---|---|
| Report a power cut | Call 105, or use the online form on the power cuts page |
| Live map / faults | The live fault list on Electricity North West's website |
| Phone | 105 — open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (Electricity North West) |
| Priority Services Register | The Extra Care register — online, 0800 195 41 41 or [email protected] |
| Areas covered | North West England, from the Lake District to Manchester (Electricity North West) |
Not sure who your network operator is? See our power cuts by network operator hub.
Who is Electricity North West?
Electricity North West is the distribution network operator (DNO) for the North West. It looks after the power lines, cables and substations — not your bill. Your energy supplier is a separate company. For a power cut, contact Electricity North West; Ofgem says to go to your supplier only if the problem is a faulty meter.
What to do now: power cut checklist
- Check whether neighbours have power. If they do, the Met Office says the fault may be your own fuses or trip switch — check your consumer unit.
- Report it on 105 or online, even if you think others have.
- Check the live fault list for updates.
- Keep away from power lines and report any damage (Be Ready).
- Switch off irons, ovens, electric fires and fryers, and unplug your TV and computer.
- Keep fridge and freezer doors closed. Use the Food Standards Agency's advice to decide what's safe afterwards.
- Keep warm with layers and blankets.
- Check on neighbours, especially anyone older or vulnerable.
- Save your phone battery. In a life-threatening emergency, call 999.
A torch, a battery or wind-up radio and a written list of key numbers make all of this easier. Our power cuts guide covers what to keep ready.
How long will an Electricity North West power cut last?
It depends on what caused it, how many homes are affected and the weather. Electricity North West's live fault list is the place to check for updates on your area. For typical durations and how to cope with a longer cut, see our main power cuts guide.
Extra help: the Extra Care register
Electricity North West calls its priority services register the Extra Care register. It says anyone who thinks they may struggle in a power cut can join, including people who:
- have reached State Pension age
- are disabled or have a long-term medical condition
- have a hearing, sight or mental health condition
- are pregnant or have children under 5
- rely on medical equipment that needs electricity
Members can get early weather warnings, advance notice of planned power cuts, regular updates by phone or text, a nominated contact scheme and a password scheme to check that visitors are genuine. For households struggling most during longer cuts, it lists hot meals or other services. If you joined before 2022, it asks you to update your details. More in our Priority Services Register guide.
Electricity North West power cut compensation
Compensation follows Ofgem's guaranteed standards, which are the same for every network operator in Great Britain. The 2026 figures for homes are:
| Situation | Payment to homes |
|---|---|
| Normal weather, off over 12 hours (fewer than 5,000 properties affected) | £100, plus £45 per extra 12 hours |
| Normal weather, off over 24 hours (5,000 or more affected) | £100, plus £45 per extra 12 hours, up to £400 |
| Storm category 1, off over 24 hours | £90, plus £45 per extra 6 hours, up to £2,235 |
| Storm category 2, off over 48 hours | £90, plus £45 per extra 6 hours, up to £2,235 |
Ofgem says most payments are automatic. After a recent storm, Electricity North West said it would contact eligible customers directly by text or letter, and that other losses should be claimed from your home or business insurer. Ofgem says damage to electrical equipment or appliances isn't covered. Full details are in our power cut compensation guide.
Limitations
This page is general information, not professional advice, and we are not connected to Electricity North West or SP Electricity North West. Follow instructions from the network operator and emergency services, and call 999 in an emergency. The 105 number and compensation rules here apply in England, Scotland and Wales; Northern Ireland has different arrangements.
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Frequently asked questions
What number do I call for an Electricity North West power cut?
Call 105. Electricity North West says the line is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, for power cuts and damage to its equipment.
Has Electricity North West changed its name?
Its website now uses the name SP Electricity North West alongside Electricity North West. The 105 number still applies, and the website address is still enwl.co.uk.
Is there an Electricity North West power cut map?
Electricity North West publishes a live fault list on its website. We're an independent guide and don't show live data, so check its site for current faults and updates.
What is the Extra Care register?
It's Electricity North West's name for its priority services register. Members can get advance notice of planned power cuts, regular updates, and extra services such as hot meals during longer cuts for those struggling most.
Will Electricity North West pay compensation for a power cut?
Possibly, under Ofgem's guaranteed standards. Most payments are automatic. Ofgem says damage to electrical equipment or appliances isn't covered, and Electricity North West points other losses to your home insurer.
Sources
- Electricity North West — Power cuts
- Electricity North West — About SP Electricity North West
- Electricity North West — Our Extra Care register
- Electricity North West — Live power cut information: fault list
- Electricity North West — Storm compensation
- Ofgem — Check if you can get a payment for a power cut
- Ofgem — Guaranteed Standards of Performance payment update 2026
- Be Ready (GOV.UK) — Power cuts
- Met Office — What to do in a power cut