How to Handle an SSEN Power Cut in the UK
A power cut can catch you off guard. One moment, your home feels normal, and the next, everything shuts off at once. It’s easy to feel unsure about what to check or who to contact.
If your home gets electricity from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), knowing how SSEN handles outages can make things easier.
This guide will show you what usually causes SSEN power cuts today, how to check your area for outages, and when to report an issue. You’ll also learn simple ways to keep important devices running. Keep reading!
Common Reasons for SSEN Power Cuts
ower cuts can feel sudden, but most happen for simple and predictable reasons. So knowing the cause helps you stay patient and plan what to do next. Common causes include:
Bad weather and storms. Strong wind, heavy rain, or snow can damage power lines or knock down poles. SSEN crews have to make the area safe first, and then they can start the repairs, which can take time in rough weather.
Equipment faults. Transformers, cables, and substations wear out as they get older. Most faults are fixed within a few hours, but underground issues can take longer because crews need time to find the exact problem.
Planned maintenance. Sometimes SSEN needs to upgrade or repair parts of the network. This can mean a short planned power cut. You should get notice at least two days before the work starts.
External interference. Tree branches, animals, or nearby construction can damage overhead or buried lines. These problems usually affect only a small area and are repaired quickly once reported.
How to Check, Report, and Understand SSEN Power Cuts
When the lights flicker out, don't panic. Just a quick check tells you if it's just your home or something bigger. So just stay calm and follow these simple steps to get answers fast.
Check your fuse box first. If the switch has tripped, reset it once. If power doesn't return, you can move to the next step.
Look around your street. If neighbours are also without power, it's likely a wider fault on the grid.
Use the live map. SSEN's online SSEN power cut map shows current outages, affected postcodes and estimated restoration times.
Call 105 for free. It connects you to the local power network team, and SSEN answers directly if they cover your area.
Check updates online. SSEN's social media and website provide real-time progress, especially during the storms.
How to Report a Power Cut to SSEN
If the power is out on your whole street and not just in your home, it’s time to report it. SSEN uses customer reports to find the problem faster, so your message really helps. You can report by:
Calling 105 (free from any phone). Share your postcode, address and when the outage began.
Using SSEN's Power Track tool online to log the fault and see live updates.
After you report the outage, SSEN usually sends text or email updates until everything is fixed.
Typical Restoration Times
Power cuts vary, but knowing the usual times can help you plan. SSEN engineers work day and night, even in rough weather, to bring power back as quickly as possible.
Small local faults are often fixed in 4–6 hours.
Weather-related outages may take 12–24 hours, depending on how easy it is for crews to reach the area.
Major storm damage can take up to 48 hours or more, especially in remote places.
If your area stays dark longer than these times, you can check for new updates or contact SSEN again to see if your line needs special attention.
What to Do During an SSEN Power Cut
When a power go out happens, it's easy to feel unsettled. But with a plan in place, you can keep your home safe, comfortable and even productive while waiting for the lights to return.
Unplug sensitive electronics. Things like TVs, laptops, and chargers are better unplugged during a cut. This prevents damage when power comes back on.
Keep the fridge and freezer closed. Cold air stays inside longer if you don’t open the doors. Food can stay safe for several hours.
Stay warm. Layer clothing or use blankets, especially in winter. Try to stay in one room to keep the heat in.
Check on neighbours. If you can, make sure older or vulnerable people nearby are okay.
Follow updates. SSEN usually gives regular updates online or through the 105 hotline, so you know when services will return.
Use a solar generator if you have one. A solar generator can keep small items running during a power cut and is especially useful in a long-term outage. Charge it whenever you have daylight, and use it for essentials like phones, lights, or important medical devices.
How to Prepare for Future Power Cuts
Getting ready before a power cut makes everything easier and less stressful. A few small steps can keep your home safe and help you stay comfortable until the power returns.
Build a home emergency kit: Pack torches, batteries, water, snacks and blankets. Keep it in an easy-to-reach place so you're not searching in the dark.
Charge essentials early: If a storm's forecast, fully charge your phone, laptop and backup power stations in advance.
Stay informed: Subscribe to SSEN alerts or follow their Power Track updates during storm season.
Know your rights: If your power's off beyond the standard limit, you may get your SSEN power cut compensation. So you can keep note of times and updates for your records.
Plan for long-term energy resilience: A small power bank is useful, but a larger, modular power station gives you far more support during long outages.
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station delivers a 4096Wh capacity, providing ample backup power during outages. It can also store solar energy for use at night, helping you get through multi-day blackouts and even reduce your energy bills.
If you need more than the base unit provides, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station + Smart Extra Battery bundle doubles usable capacity to roughly 8 kWh, converting the setup into a true multi day backup. Paired this way, it supplies extended power for critical devices and essential off grid loads during prolonged outages.
Conclusion
Whether you’re checking Goring power cut SSEN updates or looking at the wider SSEN outage map, the same steps apply: just stay informed, act safely and be ready.
Simple habits help too. Charging your devices early, keeping a small emergency kit, and knowing where your essentials are can save a lot of stress during an outage.
For longer blackouts, having steady backup power can keep your key appliances running. EcoFlow offers the best home backup generators that help you stay comfortable and connected until the power returns.
FAQs
How do I find out about the power cut in Scottish and Southern Energy?
You can do the following, step by step:
Check the SSEN Power Track map for the real-time outages and restoration times.
Call 105 (that is free from any phone) to reach your local network operator.
Ask your neighbours whether they're affected to confirm if it's a local fault.
Follow SSEN's social channels for the latest updates during the storms.
Register for alerts so you'll get messages if your postcode is impacted.
These steps ensure you know what's happening without guesswork.
How long does a power cut have to last before compensation?
Compensation rules depend on the power cut's duration and cause:
Normal weather: You can get £95 if the power is off for 12 hours, and plus £40 for every extra 6 hours.
Severe weather (Category 1): £85 after 24 hours, and plus £40 every 6 hours.
Severe weather (Category 2): £85 after 48 hours or more, and plus £40 every 6 hours.
For example, if strong winds bring down lines across several counties, it’s Category 1; widespread storm damage is Category 2. These are Ofgem’s official standards for UK networks like the SSEN. If you haven’t received payment after a long outage, you can contact SSEN or check Ofgem’s website for more details.
What is the emergency number for SSEN power cut?
Dial 105, that is the national free number for UK power cuts. It can connect you straight to your local electricity network operator (SSEN if you're in their area). By calling, you can:
Report a hazard or downed line in time;
Ask for the restoration updates;
Request help if you're on the Priority Services Register (PSR).