DO YOU KNOW WHO TO CONTACT IF YOU HAVE A POWER CUT?
105 IS THE NEW NUMBER TO CALL.
It’s free of charge and will put you through to your local network operator who can give you help and advice.
WHY 105?
Many people don’t know they should contact their local electricity network operator if they have a power cut. They often mistakenly call the electricity supplier they pay their bills to.
That’s why the electricity network operators have introduced 105 – to give you an easy-to-remember number to call that will put you through to the local people who can help.
You can call 105 no matter who you choose to buy electricity from.
- 105 is a new number that you can call to report or get information about a power cut.
- You can call 105 no matter who you choose to buy electricity from.
- 105 is one of the ways that you can contact your electricity network operator. Your network operator can also be contacted directly by phone or via their website – most network operators can be contacted through social media too.
- 105 is a free service for people in England, Scotland and Wales.
- You can also call 105 if damage to electricity power lines and substations could put you, or someone else, in danger. If there is a serious immediate risk to someone, you should call the emergency services too.
- You can call 105 from most landlines and mobile phones.
FAQs
Q: What is 105?
A: 105 is a new number that people in England, Scotland and Wales can call to report or get information about power cuts in their area. 105 is free to call and will put people straight through to their local network operator. The public can also call 105 if they spot damage to electricity power lines and substations that could put themselves, or someone else, in danger. If there is a serious immediate risk, people should call the emergency services too by dialling 999.
Q: When will the public be able to use 105?
A: 105 is live and will be fully up and running and launched to the public in September 2016. At this point, the public will be able to call 105 from most landlines and mobile phones.
Q: Can people call their electricity network operator directly?
A: Yes. 105 is just one of the ways that people can contact their electricity network operator. People can also contact their network operator directly by phone or via their website. See contact details below for UK Power Networks
Q: Why do we need 105?
A: Many people don’t know they should contact their local electricity network operator if they have a power cut. They often mistakenly call the electricity supplier they pay their bills to. That’s why the networks are introducing 105 – to give customers an easy-to-remember number to call that will put them through to the local people who can help.
Q: What is an electricity network operator?
A: Electricity network operators manage and maintain the underground cables, overhead wires and substations that bring electricity into homes and businesses. They are the organisations that people should contact if they experience a power cut – no matter who they pay their bill to. In England, Scotland and Wales, there are six Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) that operate in different geographical regions and multiple Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs) that can operate anywhere in Great Britain. DNOs and IDNOs are each responsible for ensuring that homes and businesses have electricity 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The Distribution Network Operator for Kent is UK Power Networks (UKPN). Their contact details follow:
Contact UK Power Networks
Web address
General enquiries
For general enquiries – including tree trimming, shrouding overhead cables and voltage fluctuations, please call us on 0800 029 4285. Lines open Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm.
Power cuts and emergencies
To report a loss of power, or if you are concerned about the safety of electrical network equipment, call 105 – free to call from a landline or a mobile phone.
Register for text messages during a power cut
If your power’s off, UKPN can keep you updated with text messages. These will let you know how our repair works are going, and give you an estimated time that your power will be switched back on.
To register for this service text ‘Power’ followed by your postcode to 80876. For example: Power IP3 6QX
Note that you’ll need to register for this service every time you have a power cut. In future UKPN may also text you if we are made aware of adverse weather that could affect your supply or a power cut in your area.
There is no charge for registering for this service. However, standard text message fees apply and may vary according to your mobile network provider. You will not be charged to receive messages. However, if you are using this service outside of the UK you may be charged to receive messages.
Find out more about our text messaging service.
Priority services during a power cut
UKPN understand that some people may need extra support during a power cut. If you do, we recommend that you add your details to our Priority Services Register.
Find out more about our Priority Services Register and apply.
New electricity supply or alteration to an existing supply
0800 029 4280 (select option 3), lines open Mon-Fri, 8:30-6pm
myconnection@ukpowernetworks.co.uk
Compliments and complaints
UKPN welcomes all forms of feedback about our staff and services. If you have any compliments, comments or complaints then please contact us:
- Call 0800 028 4587 – free to call from a mobile or a landline phone. Lines open Monday to Friday 8:30-5pm.
- Write to us at: Customer Care, UK Power Network, Fore Hamlet, Ipswich, IP3 8AA
- Complete our online form if you have a complaint
- Complete our feedback form if you have a compliment
Services for customers who are deaf or hard of hearing
Text Relay
UKPN offer a 24-hour Text Relay service for customers who are deaf, hard of hearing or have any other communication difficulties. Using your textphone dial 18001 followed by the telephone number you need. This will connect you to a text relay operator.
If you have a power cut
Text Relay 18001 0800 31 63 105
If you need to move or connect electricity cables
Text Relay 18001 0845 234 0040
If you have a general enquiry
Text Relay 18001 0800 029 4285
If you want to make a complaint
Text Relay 18001 0800 028 4587
You can also get in touch with UKPN by completing their online form.
Web chat
You can chat to UKPN via their live web chat service. The service is available from Monday to Friday 7am to 11pm and Saturday to Sunday 9am to 5pm. You can find the live chat button at the top of the screen on their website, the button also follows you down the page wherever you are in the website.
Priority Services Register
If you are deaf or hard of hearing UKPN can offer you additional support during a power cut. You’ll get:
- A priority number that you can call 24 hours a day if you have a power cut
- Regular text messages or phone updates during a power cut
- Extra support from our partners such as the British Red Cross to visit your home during an emergency (we’ll check with you first)