In short: SP Energy Networks runs the local electricity network in central and southern Scotland, North Wales, Merseyside, Cheshire and north Shropshire. To report a power cut or check when it will be back, call 105 free or use the power cut tools on SP Energy Networks' own website. If you need extra help, join its Priority Services Register; most compensation is paid automatically.
Key facts
- SP Energy Networks keeps electricity flowing to homes and businesses in central and southern Scotland, North Wales, Merseyside, Cheshire and north Shropshire, through SP Distribution and SP Manweb. Source
- Call 105 for free in England, Wales and Scotland to report a power cut and get updates. 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
- Most power cut payments are automatic; you must claim the payment for repeated interruptions. Source
- The Priority Services Register is free in England, Scotland and Wales, and registering with your electricity network operator means your details can be shared with gas and water providers. Source
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If your power is off in central or southern Scotland, Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales or north Shropshire, the company to contact is SP Energy Networks. It runs the local electricity network across those areas and is responsible for getting you reconnected. This page covers how to report it, where to check for updates, what to do while you wait, and the help and compensation you may be entitled to.
We are an independent guide, not SP Energy Networks. We don't have live outage data. For current updates and estimated restoration times, use SP Energy Networks' own power cuts page or call 105.
SP Energy Networks power cut: quick answers
| What you need | Where to go |
|---|---|
| Report a power cut | Call 105 (free), or report through SP Energy Networks' power cuts page |
| Live map / updates | Live power cut information on SP Energy Networks' website |
| Phone | 105 — free in England, Wales and Scotland (Be Ready) |
| Priority Services Register | SP Energy Networks PSR form, linked from thepsr.co.uk |
| Areas covered | Central and southern Scotland, North Wales, Merseyside, Cheshire and north Shropshire (SP Energy Networks, via Ofgem) |
The north of Scotland is served by a different operator. If you're not sure who covers you, see our power cuts by network operator hub.
Who is SP Energy Networks?
SP Energy Networks is the distribution network operator (DNO) for its areas. According to its own strategy document, it works through regulated businesses including SP Distribution (Scotland) and SP Manweb (England and Wales). You may see either name on letters or vans.
It is not your energy supplier. For a power cut, contact SP Energy Networks. Ofgem says to contact your supplier only if the issue is a faulty meter.
What to do now: power cut checklist
- See if neighbours are affected. The Met Office says if their power is on, 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 already have.
- Check SP Energy Networks' website for updates on your area.
- Stay away from power lines and report any damage (Be Ready).
- Switch off irons, ovens, electric fires and fryers; unplug your TV and computer.
- Keep fridge and freezer doors shut. Follow the Food Standards Agency's advice on what's safe to eat afterwards.
- Keep warm with layers and blankets.
- Check on neighbours, particularly older or vulnerable people.
- Save your phone battery. In a life-threatening emergency, call 999.
Having a torch, a battery or wind-up radio and your important numbers written down makes all of this easier. See our power cuts guide for what to keep ready.
How long will an SP Energy Networks power cut last?
It varies with the cause, the number of homes affected and the weather. SP Energy Networks' website is the best place to see an estimated restoration time. For typical durations and how to manage a longer cut, read our main power cuts guide.
If anyone in your home relies on powered medical equipment, the Met Office advises agreeing a plan with your care team or equipment supplier in advance and joining the Priority Services Register.
Can I get extra help in a power cut?
Yes, if you qualify. The Priority Services Register is free in England, Scotland and Wales. You register with your electricity network operator — here, SP Energy Networks — and your details can be shared with your gas and water providers so you only register once. The Met Office describes it as open to people who are older, disabled or rely on electricity for medical or mobility equipment.
Ofgem says network operators must offer extra help to people on the register, such as battery packs for phones or medical equipment. Registration doesn't bring extra compensation. Read our Priority Services Register guide for who qualifies.
SP Energy Networks power cut compensation
SP Energy Networks follows Ofgem's guaranteed standards, which are the same across Great Britain. The 2026 amounts 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, may be paid through your energy supplier, and don't cover damage to electrical equipment or appliances. For the repeated-interruptions payment, time limits and what to do if you're not paid, see our power cut compensation guide.
Limitations
This page is general information, not professional advice, and we are not connected to SP Energy Networks. Follow instructions from the network operator and emergency services, and call 999 in an emergency. The 105 number and the 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 SP Energy Networks power cut?
Call 105. GOV.UK's Be Ready guidance says it's free in England, Wales and Scotland and you can use it to report a power cut and get updates.
Does SP Energy Networks cover all of Scotland?
No. SP Energy Networks covers central and southern Scotland. The north of Scotland has a different network operator — see our power cuts by network operator hub.
Is SP Manweb the same as SP Energy Networks?
Yes, in practice. SP Manweb is one of SP Energy Networks' regulated businesses and runs the network in Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales and north Shropshire; SP Distribution covers central and southern Scotland.
Where can I see an SP Energy Networks power cut map?
Live power cut information is on SP Energy Networks' own website. We're an independent guide and don't show live data.
Will SP Energy Networks pay compensation?
Possibly. Ofgem's guaranteed standards apply: homes get £100 after 12 hours off in normal weather (24 hours if 5,000 or more properties are affected), and most payments are automatic. Severe weather has its own rules.
Sources
- SP Energy Networks — Digitalisation Strategy (hosted by Ofgem)
- Be Ready (GOV.UK) — Power cuts
- Ofgem — Check if you can get a payment for a power cut
- Ofgem — Guaranteed Standards of Performance payment update 2026
- The Priority Services Register (thepsr.co.uk)
- Met Office — What to do in a power cut