In short: National Grid Electricity Distribution (formerly Western Power Distribution) runs the local electricity network in the Midlands, South Wales and South West England. To report a power cut, call 105 free or 0800 6783 105, or use its online power cut map. If you live elsewhere in Great Britain, a different network operator handles your power cuts.
Key facts
- Western Power Distribution's companies were renamed National Grid Electricity Distribution in September 2022. Source
- National Grid Electricity Distribution holds four licences: East Midlands, West Midlands, South Wales and South West. Source
- Power cuts in National Grid's area can be reported on 105 or 0800 6783 105, 24 hours a day. Source
- National Grid's Priority Services Register is free to join on 0800 096 3080. Source
- Ofgem's standard is for power to be restored within 12 hours outside severe weather. Source
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If your power has gone off in the Midlands, South Wales or South West England, the company that fixes it is National Grid Electricity Distribution. This page sets out how to report the cut, where to find the official live map, and what help you can get. We're an independent guide — we're not National Grid, we can't see live faults, and we don't show live data. For live updates, always use National Grid's own pages linked below.
Quick answers
| National Grid Electricity Distribution | |
|---|---|
| Report a power cut | Call 105 (free) or use the online reporting page |
| Live map | National Grid power cut map |
| Phone | 105 or 0800 6783 105, 24 hours a day (Milton Keynes City Council) |
| Priority Services Register | Free — call 0800 096 3080 or join online |
| Areas covered | East Midlands, West Midlands, South Wales and South West England |
Is National Grid my network operator?
It is if you live in one of its four licence areas. Ofgem's licensee list shows National Grid Electricity Distribution holds the distribution licences for the East Midlands, West Midlands, South Wales and South West.
You may still see the old name. Companies House records show the West Midlands company was called Western Power Distribution (West Midlands) plc until 20 September 2022, when it became National Grid Electricity Distribution. So "Western Power Distribution power cut" and "National Grid power cut" mean the same operator.
Boundaries don't follow county lines exactly. If you're near the edge of the area, or unsure, call 105 and you'll be put through to the right operator. Our power cuts by area page lists every operator.
Why "National Grid" causes confusion
The National Grid name is linked to more than one business, and only one of them deals with your home's power cut:
- National Grid Electricity Distribution runs the local wires in the Midlands, South Wales and South West — this is the one to contact.
- National Grid Electricity Transmission holds a separate electricity transmission licence (Ofgem). Ofgem describes transmission as carrying energy from where it's generated across the country to the local distribution networks (Ofgem).
- The former National Grid Electricity System Operator was separated from National Grid plc and became the National Energy System Operator (NESO) on 1 October 2024 (Ofgem).
The National Grid power cut map only shows the distribution area. If you live in London, for example, your power cuts are handled by UK Power Networks; in the north of Scotland or central southern England, it's SSEN.
What to do now
- Check if it's just you. Are neighbours' lights and street lights off too? If only your home is affected, it may be your trip switch or fuses — see our power cuts guide.
- Check the live map to see if the cut is already known and whether there's an estimate.
- Report it on 105 or online if it isn't shown, or if you're unsure. Don't assume someone else has.
- Stay away from damage. Be Ready warns that electricity at high voltages can jump gaps with no warning. If you see fallen lines or damaged equipment, keep clear and report it.
- Switch off and unplug. Be Ready advises unplugging TVs and computers, which can be damaged by a surge when power returns.
- Keep the fridge and freezer shut so they stay cold for longer.
- Use a torch, not candles. Be Ready says torches are safer.
- Check on neighbours, especially anyone older or unwell.
How long will it be off?
The best estimate for your street is on National Grid's live power cut map, because it's based on the actual fault. Times can change as engineers find out more, so keep checking.
As a guide, Ofgem's standards for network operators in Great Britain are:
| Situation | Ofgem restoration standard |
|---|---|
| Normal weather | 12 hours |
| Severe weather — storm category 1 | 24 hours |
| Severe weather — storm category 2 | 48 hours |
Our power cuts guide covers what to do during a longer cut: keeping warm, food safety and avoiding carbon monoxide risks.
Can I get compensation?
Usually you don't need to claim. Ofgem says your local network operator will pay automatically if you're without power for longer than the standards allow. The exception is the extra payment for repeated power cuts — more than four cuts of at least three hours between 1 April and 31 March — which you must claim from your network operator.
If you think you're owed a payment and haven't received it after a few months, Ofgem says to contact your network operator directly. Our power cut compensation guide explains the amounts.
Extra help: National Grid's Priority Services Register
If someone in your home relies on electricity for medical equipment, or is older, disabled or seriously ill, it's worth joining the Priority Services Register. Local councils in National Grid's area, including Milton Keynes and Gedling, say it is free to join on 0800 096 3080. Gedling's page says people on the register are kept informed of power cuts affecting their home and can get special help through the British Red Cross if needed.
Ofgem says both suppliers and network operators keep a register, so you can also join through your energy supplier — see our Priority Services Register guide.
Limitations
This page is general information, not professional advice, and it isn't a live service. Always check National Grid Electricity Distribution's own website for current power cuts and contact details. Follow official instructions, keep away from damaged equipment and fallen lines, and call 999 if anyone is in danger. Other network operators cover other parts of Great Britain, and NIE Networks covers Northern Ireland, where 105 doesn't apply.
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Frequently asked questions
Is National Grid the same as Western Power Distribution?
Yes, for power cuts. Companies House records show Western Power Distribution's companies were renamed National Grid Electricity Distribution in September 2022. It is the network operator for the Midlands, South Wales and South West England.
What number do I call for a National Grid power cut?
Call 105, which Ofgem says is free, or 0800 6783 105. Both are for reporting power cuts and problems, 24 hours a day.
Does the National Grid power cut map cover the whole UK?
No. It only covers National Grid Electricity Distribution's area. If you live in London, Scotland, northern England or Northern Ireland, use your own operator's map — see our power cuts by area page.
Should I call my energy supplier instead?
Not for an unplanned power cut — report it to the network operator. Ofgem says to contact your supplier if the cause is a faulty meter.
Will I get compensation if the power is off for a long time?
Possibly. Ofgem's rules say network operators in Great Britain usually pay automatically when power is off for longer than the standards allow. See our power cut compensation guide for amounts.
Sources
- Companies House — National Grid Electricity Distribution (West Midlands) plc
- Ofgem — List of all electricity licensees (30 September 2026)
- Ofgem — Map: who operates the electricity distribution network
- Ofgem — Check if you can get a payment for a power cut
- Ofgem — Compensation for energy supply issues
- Ofgem — Decision on separation of the Electricity System Operator
- Ofgem — Join your supplier's Priority Services Register
- Milton Keynes City Council — Emergencies: what to do
- Gedling Borough Council — Priority services register
- Be Ready (GOV.UK) — Power cuts