I am backing the launch of a new number that aims to support members of the public if they experience a power cut, which goes live on the 6th September.
Many people don’t know who to contact during a power cut and wrongly call the electricity supplier they pay their bill to. 105 has been set up to help people get through their local electricity network operator – the company responsible for the power network that delivers electricity to their door.
It is a free, easy-to-remember number that people can call to report or get information about a power cut in their area. It puts callers through to the people who will repair their local power network and restore their power.
105 is available to electricity customers in England, Scotland and Wales. The number can be accessed from most landlines and mobile phones. It doesn’t matter who you choose to buy electricity from – anyone can call 105.
105 is jointly funded by electricity network operators – the companies that manage the cables, wires and substations that bring electricity into homes and businesses. Network operators can also be contacted directly by phone or via their website, and most network operators can be contacted through social media too.
The public can also call 105 if they spot damage to electricity power lines and substations that could put them, or someone else, in danger. If there’s a serious immediate risk, the emergency services should be called too.
Visit powercut105.com to find out more about 105 and electricity network operators.