Reasons for repeat or multiple power cuts
Our customers tell us they want to know why multiple power cuts happen. This page explains the causes of multiple or repeat power cuts, such as transient faults, fallen trees, theft, vandalism, planned maintenance, and overloading. It also details the measures we are taking to prevent these issues and ensure a reliable power supply.
Transient fault
A transient fault can be tricky to fix because it causes a power cut, but the issue often resolves itself before we can identify the cause. It can cause power to briefly cut out, lights to flicker and appliances to reset. These faults are usually due to moisture entering small holes in a damaged mains cable underground, which can cause a fuse to blow at the substation, leading to a power cut. The heat from the power switching on dries out the moisture, making the fault hard to locate.
Our actions to minimise these faults occurring:
To enhance the reliability of your electricity supply, we've installed advanced equipment at some substations. This equipment is designed to restore power within seconds of a transient fault. You might notice a brief flicker as the power comes back on.
Permanent solutions:
Sometimes, fixing the problem permanently requires replacing the damaged cable, which means a planned power cut. We will notify you in advance and keep you updated throughout the process to ensure minimal disruption. We're committed to improving your supply's reliability and reducing the chances of this happening again.
Fallen trees
Fallen trees and vegetation near overhead power lines can pose risks to our network. With 13,000 km of our network running overhead, we have a comprehensive maintenance program to ensure safety and reliability.
Our maintenance efforts:
We invest over £10 million annually in this program to maintain and upgrade our equipment and reduce risks from vegetation, especially during bad weather.
Since 2019, we have:
Inspected 18,922 km of overhead lines (equivalent to the distance from Manchester to New Zealand)
Surveyed 5,929 km of overhead lines
Trimmed 3,187 km of trees near power lines
Ongoing inspections:
Our inspectors are out daily across the Northwest, reviewing overhead lines and planning next steps to keep vegetation at a safe distance, minimising the risk of power cuts.
Adapting to climate change:
With the changing climate in the Northwest, warmer weather and increased rainfall cause trees to grow faster. We continuously review and adapt our maintenance program to address these challenges.
Theft and vandalism
Theft and vandalism can impact our network and cause power cuts. This includes the theft of cables and equipment from our substations and illegal interference in properties.
Our preventive actions:
Cable theft can cause significant damage and is extremely dangerous. We secure and alarm all our substations to reduce this risk. When theft occurs, we work with local police to address it quickly and safely.
Electricity theft happens when someone connects to our network without a proper meter, either by bypassing an existing meter or directly connecting to our mains cable. This can cause repeated power cuts as we work to locate the hidden issue. Sometimes, we need a court order and emergency services support to correct electricity theft. This can also overload the network, requiring extensive investigation to find and fix the problem, which may result in multiple power cuts.
Our commitment:
We take theft very seriously and prioritise ensuring our network is safe and secure for all customers. Your safety and reliable power supply are our top priorities.
Planned maintenance
We are committed to providing you with a safe and reliable electricity supply. To achieve this, we invest millions each year in upgrading and improving our network across the Northwest.
Why planned maintenance is necessary:
Our team works year-round to maintain and repair the 57,000 kilometres of cables that serve our customers. While we strive to complete most work without interrupting your power, sometimes we need to switch off the electricity to ensure our engineers can work safely. This may involve replacing old underground cables, trimming trees near overhead lines, or repairing damage caused by third parties.
Minimising disruptions:
We understand that power cuts can be frustrating, especially if they happen frequently. If you experience a planned power cut, please know that this work is essential to enhance the reliability of your local supply and reduce the risk of future power cuts. We will always provide advance notice and keep you informed throughout the process.
Your safety and a dependable power supply are our top priorities. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Click here to find out more about planned power cuts.
Overloading
Overloading is becoming more common across UK networks due to factors like low carbon technologies and increased theft. This can lead to power cuts.
Our monitoring efforts:
Our Network Hub operates 24/7, 365 days a year, continuously monitoring our network. While we strive to act quickly, it’s not always possible to prevent overloading before it happens.
Preventive actions:
To minimise the risk of overloading, we are investing in advanced technologies and infrastructure upgrades. These efforts help us manage the increased demand and ensure a more reliable power supply.
Our commitment:
We provide you with a safe and dependable electricity supply. Your understanding and patience are greatly appreciated as we work to enhance the resilience of our network.