SSEN power cut: how to report it and use Power Track

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If your power has gone off in the north of Scotland or central southern England, the company that fixes it is Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, usually called SSEN. This page covers how to report a cut, how to use SSEN's Power Track map and app, and what help is available. We're an independent guide — we're not SSEN, we can't see live faults, and nothing here is live data. For current information, use SSEN's own pages linked below.

Quick answers

Is SSEN my network operator?

SSEN's power cuts page splits its information into two regions: North of Scotland and Central Southern England. Ofgem's licensee list shows the two distribution licences behind them: Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution and Southern Electric Power Distribution.

SSEN is a network operator, not an energy supplier. It runs the local wires and fixes power cuts; your supplier sends your bills. If you live in central or southern Scotland, your operator is probably SP Energy Networks instead. In southern England, neighbouring areas are covered by UK Power Networks and National Grid. If in doubt, call 105 or see our power cuts by area page.

What is SSEN Power Track?

Power Track is SSEN's tool for checking and reporting power cuts. On the Power Track website you can track faults in your area or raise a report, and SSEN says it will keep you updated until engineers can safely restore power (SSEN).

There's also a Power Track app. SSEN says it's free to download on iOS and Android, and you can use it to follow the progress of faults, see planned interruptions and find your nearest EV charge point. SSEN suggests downloading it so you don't miss changes to estimated restoration times (SSEN). It's worth installing before you need it, while you still have a full battery and signal.

SSEN also lists WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger as ways to get in touch.

What to do now

• Check whether neighbours have power. SSEN says if they don't, the fault is likely on the network (SSEN).
• If only your home is off, check your fuse box for switches in the "off" position. Only do this if it's safe; see our power cuts guide.
• Check Power Track to see if the fault is already known.
• Report it via Power Track or by calling 105 if it isn't shown.
• Leave one light on so you know when power returns, and switch off other appliances (SSEN).
• Keep the fridge freezer shut. SSEN says chilled and frozen food should last for several hours.
• Save your phone battery for emergencies.
• Keep warm — SSEN notes heat can drop quickly, so dress warmly and stay active.
• Stairlift users: SSEN suggests checking whether yours has a manual handle to get downstairs safely.
• Stay away from damage. Be Ready warns that high-voltage electricity can jump gaps with no warning. Report damaged lines or substations on 105.

How long will it be off?

For your own street, the estimated restoration time on Power Track is the best guide, and SSEN says the app keeps you up to date when estimates change. Estimates can change as engineers learn more about the fault, so keep checking.

As a benchmark, Ofgem's standards for network operators in Great Britain are:

Our power cuts guide covers coping with a longer cut, including food safety and keeping warm safely.

Can I get compensation?

In most cases you don't need to claim. Ofgem says your local network operator pays automatically if you're without power for longer than the standards allow. You do need to claim the extra payment for repeated power cuts — more than four cuts of at least three hours between 1 April and 31 March.

If you haven't received a payment you're expecting after a few months, Ofgem says to contact your network operator directly. Our power cut compensation guide explains the amounts.

Extra help: SSEN Priority Services

SSEN's Priority Services Register is free and quick to join, and SSEN says no proof of eligibility is needed. You may want to join if someone at home is over 60, lives with children under five, has a disability or chronic illness, is deaf, blind or partially sighted, uses medical equipment that relies on electricity, or temporarily needs extra support. You can also register on behalf of a family member.

SSEN lists support including:

• 24-hour power cut updates
• a free personalised Power Cut Plan
• a password for staff to use when they call or visit
• information in large print, braille, audio or other languages
• Home Battery Packs for customers who most need support
• a British Sign Language service (BSL InterpreterNow)

Join on 0800 294 3259, textphone 0800 316 5457, online, or by posting the freepost leaflet. See also our Priority Services Register guide.

Limitations

This page is general information, not professional advice, and it isn't a live service. Always check SSEN's own website or Power Track 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 parts of Great Britain have different network operators, and Northern Ireland is served by NIE Networks, where 105 doesn't apply.

Finish the job

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Sources

1. SSEN — Power cuts and emergencies
2. SSEN — Preparing for a power cut
3. SSEN — What to do during a power cut
4. SSEN — Priority Services
5. Ofgem — List of all electricity licensees (30 September 2026)
6. Ofgem — Check if you can get a payment for a power cut
7. Ofgem — Compensation for energy supply issues
8. Be Ready (GOV.UK) — Power cuts

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