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Why power cuts happen

Why power cuts happen

Explore the reasons for power cuts and how we plan to reduce the risk of them happening

Although our network is known for being one of the most reliable and cost-effective networks in the UK, power cuts can still happen for a variety of reasons, including the following:- 

  • Fallen tress that make contact with power lines or equipment
  • Theft and vandalism of equipment and substations
  • Transient fault caused by broken cables
  • Planned maintenance to care for and improve the network
  • Fire damage to our equipment or substations
  • Animal interference like squirrels or birds contacting with power lines
  • Accidental damage by contractors and customers

To find out more information about these reasons and how we plan to reduce the risk of them happeningvisit the Reasons for repeat or multiple power cuts web page.

The length of time to restore your electricity can vary depending on the reason for the power cut.  We will work as quickly as we can 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to restore your electricity as we know how inconvenient this can be to your daily life.

 

Restoration following a power cut

There are two ways we can do this, permanent restoration or temporary restoration.

Click to find out more about restoration following a power cut

Short power cuts

A power cut lasting less than three minutes is known as a short duration interruptions or SDI.

Click to find out more about short power cuts
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Short power cuts

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Watch our short video explaining what a power cut is.

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What happens when you have a power cut?

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Watch our short video about what happens when you have a power cut.