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Power Cut emergency number reaches fifth birthday

06 September 2021

 

Five years ago today, in 2016, Britain’s electricity network operators joined forces to launch a three digit telephone number – 105 – to make it easier for their customers to contact them during a power cut and to report damage to power lines and other electricity infrastructure.

Electricity network companies are aware of the vital role they play in people’s daily lives and work all year-round to limit power cuts and minimise any disruption for customers. They are also committed to ensuring that if customers do have a power cut, they are able to receive up-to-date information, advice and support if necessary.

The launch of Power Cut? Call 105 was the culmination of a two-year collaboration between network companies the wider energy industry, government, regulators, telecoms providers and others.  

In order to ensure that customers receive updates as quickly as possible, network companies also provide power cut tracking services online and have invested in improving their social media presence.

The focus on customer service is reflected in improvements to reliability. The number of power cuts has fallen by a fifth since 2015 while the average length of interruptions has fallen by 15% to just over 30 minutes. Britain’s local electricity networks have invested more than £730 million in improving the resilience and reliability of the power networks. This can be seen in customer satisfaction scores that average 9 out of 10 across the networks.

David Smith, Chief Executive at Energy Networks Association, which represents the UK and Ireland’s energy networks businesses said:

“While we have some of the safest and most reliable electricity networks in the world, it’s vital that customers receive important information and advice when they have a power cut or spot damage to the electricity networks. It’s great to see the Power Cut? Call 105 emergency number celebrating its fifth birthday with so many customers knowing where to turn when they need help.”

Press contacts for journalists

Peter Kocen

Senior Press and Public Affairs Manager

+44 (0)20 4599 7665

peter.kocen@energynetworks.org

ENA Press Office

press@energynetworks.org

 

Notes to editor

About Energy Networks Association

Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the electricity wires, gas pipes and energy system in the UK and Ireland.

ENA helps its members meet the challenge of delivering electricity and gas to communities across the UK and Ireland safely, sustainably and reliably.

Its members include every major electricity and gas network operator in the UK and Ireland, independent operators, National Grid ESO which operates the electricity system in Great Britain and National Gas which operates the gas system in Great Britain. Its affiliate membership also includes companies with an interest in energy, including Heathrow Airport and Network Rail.

What are energy network operators?

Energy network operators manage and maintain the wires, pipes and other infrastructure which delivers electricity and gas to your home, business and community. They are private companies which are regulated by Ofgem and employ around 40,000 people in Great Britain.

More information