Loss Of Power

Is the power cut a problem with the network or a problem within your home?

How To Check

Do any of your neighbours have power? If they don’t it is likely the fault is on our network. If everyone has power and you don’t, check your fuse box to see if any switches are in the ‘off’ position and check if your meter has a display. If it does, this means power is coming into your property.

fuse box

Complete a full reset of your fuse box by turning off the main larger switches and then all your smaller switches, repeat the process but start with turning your smaller switches on first and the larger ones last. If you have difficulty doing this, call 105 for help.

To report a power cut, call 105 or use the Power Track website.

Once reported, you can track the progress of power restoration on the Power Track website.

Top Tips During A Power Cut
  • Keeping your fridge / freezer doors closed protects your contents and you should only open this if you need to. This means that chilled and frozen food should last for many hours. 
  • Mobile phones and tablets can run out of battery quickly when used, so limit their use for emergencies. If you have a vehicle, you may also be able to charge your device until power is restored.
  • Fish and Reptiles should manage for a couple of hours without power. After this time, you may need to unplug your filters to stop harmful toxins entering the water. Disturbing the water can help also in the meantime.
  • Always leave a light on in your home so you know when the electricity has returned but make sure that you switch off all electrical appliances.
  • If you require a stairlift to access the upper floor of your property, check if your stairlift has a manual handle to allow you safely downstairs during a power cut. Most will have a battery backup also.
  • Heat can drop quickly during a power cut, make sure you dress warmly and try to stay active to help circulation.
Be A Prepper

Know where to find your –

  • Glasses (reading not wine, but maybe both in which case don’t forget the corkscrew)
  • Torches
  • Candles
  • Blankets
  • Hot water bottles
  • Battery operated radio
  • Spare batteries
Loss Of Water

loss of water

There are a few reasons your water supply could be interrupted – this guidance will help you find the issue.

Wessex Water is the mains water supplier in Keevil and they are responsible for maintaining the equipment and supply to your home.

If Wessex Water are working in the area and the water is temporarily turned off, you should have had a letter warning you of this. If not, you can check here

If Wessex Water aren’t carrying out work in your area, your internal plumbing may be the issue and you should check your pipework. If your cold water kitchen tap is working, your internal plumbing will most likely be the problem. The pipework within your home is your responsibility to fix.

If your cold water kitchen tap isn’t working, please check if your neighbours are also affected. If they have no water too, there will most likely be an issue with Wessex Water’s pipework. Contact them –

Wessex Water  0345 600 4 600

Report online here

Priority Services Register

What Is It?

The Priority Services Register (PSR) makes sure that in the event of power loss or loss of water, those who may require more assistance will be supported.

It is free to join.

Who Is Eligible?

  • Do you rely on electricity or water for medical equipment?
  • Are you deaf or hard of hearing?
  • Do you have a disability?
  • Do you live with children under 5?
  • Do you have a chronic illness?
  • Are you of pensionable age?
  • Are you blind or partially sighted?
  • Do you suffer from anxiety, depression or other mental illness?
  • Have you impaired or no sense of smell?
  • Do you need documents translated into another language or format?
  • Are you temporarily in need of extra support?

If you have any of the above, then you qualify.

What Are The Benefits?

Support and information during a power or gas supply interruption –

  • You can contact the network operators in the UK 24 hours a day, every day, and get priority updates in a power cut. If your electricity needs to be temporarily switched off to carry out essential maintenance, you will get prior advance notice to allow you to plan ahead.

Connection to local emergency services –

  • Your electricity company works with local authorities, emergency services and agencies, like the British Red Cross, to provide extra support to people on the Priority Services Register.

Emergency power –

  • If you use medical equipment/aids which use electricity or water the PSR helps to prioritise help during prolonged supply interruptions. Portable generators or bottled water can be delivered when necessary.

Communication tailored to your needs –

  • You can request a format that suits your needs, e.g. Large Print, Braille, textphone, audio or a language other than English.

Nominated contact –

  • If it helps, we can contact a nominated carer, family member or friend on your behalf

Peace of mind –

  • Joining the PSR allows you to set up a password to use when electricity or gas company employees call you or knock at your door. Registering a password helps protect your personal safety and home security.

Leave a comment