In short: UK Power Networks runs the local electricity network across London, the South East and the East of England. To report a power cut, call 105 or 0800 31 63 105 — both free and open 24 hours — or check its live power cut map and list online. It's a network operator, not your energy supplier.
Key facts
- UK Power Networks operates across London, the East and the South East of England. Source
- Report a UK Power Networks power cut on 105 or 0800 31 63 105, free from a landline or mobile, 24 hours a day. Source
- UK Power Networks' three licensed networks are London Power Networks, South Eastern Power Networks and Eastern Power Networks. Source
- UK Power Networks' Priority Services Register can be joined on 0800 169 9970, and there is no charge. 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 London, the South East or the East of England, the company that fixes it is UK Power Networks. This page explains how to report a cut, where to find its official live map, and what extra help is available. We're an independent guide — we're not UK Power Networks, we can't see live faults, and nothing here is live data. For current information, use UK Power Networks' own pages linked below.
Quick answers
| UK Power Networks | |
|---|---|
| Report a power cut | Call 105 or report via the UK Power Networks power cut page |
| Live map | Live power cut map or the power cut list (search by the first part of your postcode) |
| Phone | 105 or 0800 31 63 105 — free from a landline or mobile, 24 hours (UK Power Networks) |
| Priority Services Register | Free — call 0800 169 9970 or sign up online |
| Areas covered | London, the South East and the East of England |
Is UK Power Networks my network operator?
It is if you live in London, the East or the South East of England — the area UK Power Networks says it operates across. Ofgem's licensee list shows it as three licensed networks: London Power Networks, South Eastern Power Networks and Eastern Power Networks.
UK Power Networks is a distribution network operator. Ofgem describes these companies as running the smaller wires that take energy locally to homes and businesses. It isn't your energy supplier, so it can't help with bills — but it is who you contact when the power goes off.
Not sure which operator you're with? Call 105 and you'll be connected, or see our power cuts by area page. Parts of southern England outside UK Power Networks' area are covered by SSEN or National Grid.
What to do now
- Check if it's just you. Look for lights in neighbours' homes and street lights. If only your home is off, it may be your trip switch or fuses — see our power cuts guide.
- Check the live map or list. UK Power Networks' power cut list lets you search with the first four characters of your postcode and shows the same information as its interactive map.
- Report it on 105 or 0800 31 63 105 if your cut isn't shown. UK Power Networks also says it answers questions on Twitter and Facebook 24 hours a day.
- Keep clear of damage. Be Ready warns that high-voltage electricity can jump gaps with no warning.
- Unplug TVs and computers, which Be Ready says can be damaged by a surge when power returns.
- Keep fridge and freezer doors closed so they stay cold for several hours.
- Use a torch rather than candles.
- Check on neighbours who may need help.
How long will it be off?
UK Power Networks' power cut list shows an estimated restoration time alongside each known fault, with the postcodes affected and a reference number (UK Power Networks). That estimate is the best guide for your street, but it may change as engineers investigate.
For context, Ofgem's standards for network operators in Great Britain expect supply back within:
| Situation | Ofgem restoration standard |
|---|---|
| Normal weather | 12 hours |
| Storm category 1 | 24 hours |
| Storm category 2 | 48 hours |
Most cuts are fixed much sooner, but it's worth knowing what to do if one drags on. Our power cuts guide covers keeping warm, food safety and safe lighting.
Can I get compensation?
Ofgem's rules mean you usually don't need to claim. Ofgem says your local network operator pays automatically if you're without power for longer than the standards allow. The extra payment for repeated power cuts — more than four cuts lasting at least three hours between 1 April and 31 March — has to be claimed from your network operator.
If a payment you expected hasn't arrived after a few months, Ofgem advises contacting your network operator directly. Our power cut compensation guide has the amounts and the steps.
Extra help: the Priority Services Register
If someone at home is older, has young children, relies on medical equipment, has a disability or a health condition, or has just left hospital, the Priority Services Register can help. Tendring District Council lists UK Power Networks' register on 0800 169 9970 and says there is no charge. Woking Borough Council describes it as a free service open to groups including over-65s, families with children under five and people who rely on medical equipment.
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 for more.
Limitations
This page is general information, not professional advice, and it isn't a live service. Always check UK Power Networks' 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 parts of Great Britain have different network operators, and Northern Ireland is served by NIE Networks, where 105 doesn't apply.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the UK Power Networks power cut number?
Call 105 or 0800 31 63 105. UK Power Networks says both are free from a landline or mobile and available 24 hours.
Which areas does UK Power Networks cover?
London, the South East and the East of England. If you're near the edge of that area and unsure, call 105 and you'll be put through to your own network operator.
Is UK Power Networks my energy supplier?
No. It runs the local wires and fixes power cuts; your supplier is the company that bills you. Ofgem says to contact your supplier only if the cut is caused by a faulty meter.
How do I find out when my power will be back?
Check UK Power Networks' live map or power cut list, which shows an estimated restoration time for known faults. Estimates can change as engineers learn more.
Can I get compensation for a long power cut in London?
Possibly. Ofgem's rules say network operators in Great Britain usually pay automatically when supply isn't restored within the standards. See our power cut compensation guide.
Sources
- UK Power Networks DSO
- UK Power Networks — Current power cuts list
- 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 — Join your supplier's Priority Services Register
- Tendring District Council — Priority Services Register
- Woking Borough Council — Residents risk missing out on free emergency support
- Be Ready (GOV.UK) — Power cuts