How to Prepare for Power Cuts in Edinburgh

Power cuts are a fact of life in Edinburgh. In many parts of Edinburgh, the whole year means the rainy season. The wet season means torrential rains, flash floods, and often the loss of power to homes.  

Power cuts happen for various reasons and are often due to circumstances beyond the control of your electricity supplier. Wherever you live, whatever the size of your home or business, power cuts and disconnections can feel like the end of the world. In addition to the rising cost of living and energy bills, many residents of Edinburgh will face difficulties getting electricity.  

Let's explore how to prepare for a power cut in Edinburgh and ensure you and your families are safe and comfortable. Also, we suggest you invest in a Jackery Solar Generator to charge your household appliances in an emergency. You can even bring it inside your home because it doesn't make any noise or give off any pollution.

Edinburgh Power Cuts Facts 

Power cuts in Edinburgh are usually caused by bad weather or technical failures, which cause many local users to lose power. To better cope with unexpected power cuts, Edinburgh residents must understand when power cuts may occur and how to track power cuts in real time.  

Local electricity supplier SP Energy Networks will investigate the cause of the power cut and reflect it on the website so customers can keep up to date with Edinburgh's power cuts. The following are the recent power cut facts in Edinburgh:

The following are some real-life examples of power cuts.

A power cut occurred in the centre of Edinburgh on January 11, 2024, causing several stores to lose power and a busy intersection without traffic lights. According to relevant personnel, the chaos caused by the power cut may last from one to three hours.

It was reported that on August 2, 2024, power cuts occurred in multiple postal code areas in Edinburgh, affecting the performance of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Due to the power cut, the venue fell into darkness on the opening day of the Fringe Festival. SP Energy Networks first reported the issue at 4.05 pm on August 2 2024.

Causes of Power Cuts in Edinburgh

What causes a power cut? Power cuts can be caused by several reasons, which can be divided into two categories: planned and unplanned.

Planned Power Cuts: A planned power cut may be due to your local distribution network operator (DNO) doing necessary network maintenance. The DNO owns and maintains the power lines that connect to your home or business. If you live in the Midlands, South West England or South Wales, your DNO is National Grid. If you live elsewhere, you will have a different DNO.

Unplanned Power Cuts: Unplanned power cuts are usually caused by something unforeseen, such as extreme weather conditions and faults.

Extreme Weather and Natural Disasters: According to statistics, weather-related power cuts account for around 83% of all power cuts. In Edinburgh, power cuts can be caused by environmental factors, such as:

• The most common causes of long-term power cuts are the arrival of strong winds, snow, ice or extreme temperatures (such as prolonged heatwaves).
• Power cuts often occur after natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, landslides, floods, wildfires and volcanic eruptions.

Faults and Errors: Some experts do not believe that natural disasters can cause power cuts; they think they are caused by external influences such as system failures.

• During peak power demand periods, old and poorly maintained power grids and infrastructure may have difficulty meeting demand, causing power cuts.
• Squirrels, rats, and other animals can cause power cuts by damaging electrical equipment.

How to Check A Power Cut in Edinburgh

Is there a power cut in Edinburgh today? If there is a planned power cut in the Edinburgh area, the distribution network operator will contact you to let you know. However, sometimes a power cut can occur due to unforeseen problems. How can you check if there is a power cut in your area?

Before contacting your local UK Power Networks company, follow these few simple steps to confirm your local power cut:

• Use the UK power cut checker map to see if there is a power cut in your area. (e.g. ADE)
• Check with neighbours to see if the power cut is in your neighbourhood or within your property.
• Check inside the fuse box to see if the fuse has blown.
• Check your electricity meter, which can be located inside or outside.

Call 105 or Visit Their Website

You can call 105 or visit their website (https://www.powercut105.com/) to get the latest news on whether there is a power cut in Edinburgh.

Contact Your Distribution Network Operator

Each area has a dedicated distribution network operator, and you can call them directly using the contact information below. Alternatively, you can check the power cuts on the distribution network operator's website.

How do I check the relevant distribution network operator (DNO)? If you want to find your local distribution network operator (DNO) more efficiently, enter your postcode on the Energy Networks Association website to find your DNO. The distribution network operator (DNO) in Edinburgh is SP Energy Networks. SP Energy Networks' contact details are 0800 092 9290.

Check Social Media

In this day and age, you will get all the valuable information on social media. So you can check Twitter for the latest news about power cuts.

How to Report A Power Cut in Edinburgh

While Edinburgh's electricity system is very reliable and resilient, power cuts can happen for several reasons.

The first thing to do after confirming a power cut is to report the cut to your electricity supplier. Distribution Network Operators are usually responsible for restoring power to homes and businesses.

Therefore, reporting a power cut will help maintenance staff to help you regain control. But how do you report a power cut to a Distribution Network Operator? Once you've noticed an unexpected power cut, here's how to report it:

Call 105

If you experience an unexpected power cut, you can call 105 to report it and get information about power cuts in your area. Why call 105 when there's a power cut? Because when there's a power cut, you can call 105 (free) from a mobile or landline, which will transfer you to the local operator's emergency number.

Contacting a Distribution Network Operator (DNO)

Don't hesitate to contact the appropriate Distribution Network Operator (DNO) to report a power cut using the information above. The Distribution Network Operator (DNO) in Edinburgh is SP Energy Networks. SP Energy Networks can be contacted as follows:

Number: 0800 092 9290

Twitter: @SPEnergyNetwork

How to Prepare for A Power Cut in Edinburgh?

Many factors can cause a power cut, including bad weather (wind, lightning, etc.) and birds and animals attacking power lines. So, preparing for a power cut in Edinburgh is vital to reduce risks and safety hazards.

By understanding the causes of power cuts in Edinburgh, you can see that Edinburgh residents often experience them. If the unexpected happens, Edinburgh residents can take proactive steps to prepare.

Step 1: Stay Informed  

Charging your mobile phone, laptop and tablet to make emergency calls or contact loved ones during a power cut is best. Try to memorise a few emergency phone numbers or write them down and stick them somewhere visible.

Step 2: Prepare for Emergency Kit  

An emergency kit should include flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, candles, nonperishable food, and bottled water. This kit must be kept in a designated area and easily accessible.

Searching for essential items in the dark during a power outage is inconvenient. Prepare a basic first aid and tool pack in case of a power outage.

When the electricity goes out, your first line of defence is an emergency kit. By regularly reviewing and replacing your emergency supplies, you can ensure that they are up to date, in good working shape, and ready for consumption when needed.

Cleaning solutions and hand sanitisers can help you stay healthy and avoid illness. Keep screwdrivers, wrenches, and other tools in your tool kit for power outages and emergency repairs.

Home backup power tools like Jackery Solar Generators should be on standby to offer extra power for a set period. This allows us to meet our backup power and lighting requirements when the electricity goes out. Allows vital devices such as cell phones and Wi-Fi routers to be charged. So, even if the power goes out, we can still use these devices and communicate with each other.  

Step 3: Water & Food Storage

Even city dwellers need to store three days' worth of water, which is more than you think (about 10 litres per person). Water is necessary for many reasons, from irrigation to cooking, disinfection and hygiene. You can also fill a bathtub or cooking pot with water to store large amounts of domestic water.

Check your fridge and freezer with device thermometers to ensure they stay below 40 ºF and 0 ºF for the freezer. This will keep food safe for longer during a power outage. This will help food stay safe longer when the power goes out.

Ensure there is ice, freezer packs, and frozen water in the freezer if the power goes out. This will keep food cold. It is advisable to purchase dry or block ice to maintain the lowest possible temperature in the refrigerator during an extended power outage.

An 18-cubic-foot freezer completely loaded should remain at a low temperature for two days when equipped with 50 pounds of dry ice.

Step 4: Backup Generator

Solar generators are a sustainable and efficient power source option during power cuts, providing a reliable electricity supply without traditional fossil fuel generators' noise and toxic fumes.

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus or 1000 v2 uses the sun's energy to generate clean, renewable electricity, ensuring continuous power to critical equipment such as communications, medical equipment, and lighting during a power cut.

With multiple AC outlets, USB ports, and high-capacity lithium batteries, the Jackery Solar Generator series offers a variety of convenient power solutions for emergencies. Remember where you stored your backup power supply so you don't have to worry about not finding it when the power goes out.

Step 5: Know Your Medications

Talk to your doctor about a plan for when the power goes out for medical devices that use electricity and meds that need to be kept cold. Find out how long medicines can be kept at higher temperatures and get specific advice for any needed medication.

A lot of our gadgets, like CPAP machines, home ventilators, and continuous oxygen monitors, need to be charged with energy. Because of this, preparing your home medical device to keep treating you even if the power goes out is essential.

First, you need to know everything there is to know about your home medical gadget. You must also know the details to get your supplies again and place another order.

After gathering your home medical device's details, examine how a power outage can affect it. Then, you can consider investing in a portable power supply, like Jackery Solar Generator, to charge your medical devices safely at home.

Jackery Solar Generators for Edinburgh Power Cuts

The Jackery Solar Generator can be a backup power source if the power cuts in Edinburgh, making life much easier when you don't have control.    

When there is a power outage, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus and Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 will keep you and your family running. Both comprise SolarSaga solar panels and Portable Power Stations from the Explorer series.

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 has a 1070Wh capacity to power some household appliances. The most important thing is that it has emergency supercharging within an hour in an emergency.

Besides, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus has a battery that can be expanded from 2 kWh to 12 kWh. For this reason, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 and 2000 Plus are better choices for extra power at home.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 is an upgraded version which is smaller, lighter, and even more robust. It is the combination of Explorer 1000 v2 with SolarSaga 100W solar panel.       

The Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station has an impressive 1500W power output, over 50% more than earlier models, allowing for easy operation of high-demand appliances such as kettles, refrigerators and portable air conditioners.

Equipped with USB-A/C connections and capacity for up to 100W dual PD charging, this gadget can simultaneously charge many devices, making it the ideal companion for all your power requirements.

The Emergency Charge Mode, activated via the application, enables the Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station to achieve complete charging in under one hour, providing essential power backup during battery depletion. Furthermore, the ability to charge from 0% to 100% within a two-hour timeframe utilising an AC wall outlet prolongs the battery's lifespan.  

• The Smallest and Lightest¹ 1 kWh LFP Power Station: 18% smaller than the old version Explorer 1000.
• Emergency Super Charging: Up to 7x Faster², full charge in as fast as 1 hour.
• Next-Gen Bifacial Portable Solar Panel 100W: Exclusive Shock Resistant Technology, 30% Lighter³ than industry standards, 0 Shading, delivers higher power for outdoor survival.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

Jackery has unveiled the Solar Generator 2000 Plus, a cutting-edge portable power solution with exceptional performance. Thanks to its substantial capacity and formidable power output, this device can sustain the operation of standard domestic appliances for several weeks and fulfil all the power needs associated with outdoor adventure or professional activity.

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus allows adding extra battery packs, which boosts the capacity from 2 kWh to a remarkable 12 kWh, thus enhancing the solar charging capabilities significantly. With the ability to be expanded to 3000W, this solar product offers a 30% higher rated power than other 2 kWh solar goods available in the market.

The Explorer 2000 Plus is an industry's pioneering add-on battery pack that can be recharged using solar panels. This feature enhances versatility, improves charging efficiency, and reduces charging time. The LiFePO4 battery, with its sophisticated technology, guarantees a lifespan of 10 years, even with daily usage limited to once per day.

• Expandable Capacity: 2 kWh large capacity with up to 12 kWh extended power elevates off-grid living to the next level.
• Ultra-Long Standby: Out of sight, out of mind. The 2000 Plus has an ultra-long standby mode with a 50% charge for up to 2 years!  
• Fast Solar Charging: The Solar Generator 2000 Plus takes just 2 hours for a total solar charge (with 6* SolarSaga 200W solar panels). Power source becomes fully independent.

Tips for Using a Generator for Power Supply During a Power Cut

Generally, most people use backup power to keep themselves going during a power cut. During a power cut, you can consider a combination of basic or complex power generation options to make your home resilient to power cuts. You can then use backup power for lighting, food preservation, cooling, heating, preventing mould, etc.

But follow these safety tips when using a generator at home during a power cut:

• Operate the generator only on dry surfaces and with dry hands to keep it dry. Do not use the generator outdoors in wet or rainy conditions.
• Check the generator's wires for cuts or tears before use.
• Regularly inspect and maintain your generator. Consider signing a maintenance contract to provide service at least once a year.
• Start the generator regularly, even when no power is cut, to ensure it functions properly.

What to Do During A Power Cut in Edinburgh?

Power cuts can happen unexpectedly and disrupt daily life. Therefore, whether it is caused by severe weather, equipment failure, or other factors, it is essential to maintain daily life during a power cut. Please refer to the following and take action.

Confirm the Power Cut: Check your home's safety switches to see if they have tripped. If your home does not have a tripped circuit breaker, you must confirm that the power cut is not unexpected. Are the street lights out?

Are other houses completely dark? Call your neighbours to see if they have lost power. If the power cut is widespread, visit your local power supplier's website for the latest information about the power cut and when power is expected to be restored.

Stay Connected and Informed: Communication during a power cut is essential for comfort, safety, planning, and peace of mind. Receive information about the power cut and emergency information on your radio or mobile phone. Make appropriate adjustments to your plans based on the latest power cut information so that you can spend time with your family safely.

Food Safety: After a power cut, the safety of perishable foods in your refrigerator or freezer depends on the time of the power cut and the outdoor temperature. So, during the power cut, keep the refrigerator door closed, which will help keep the temperature as low as possible. In addition, the power cut time should be recorded to estimate whether the food is safe.

• Try to eat food from emergency food packs or other dry stored food.
• Reduce the number of times you open and close the refrigerator and freezer. Be extra careful with shelf-life foods (meats and dairy products such as soft cheeses) because they are more likely to harbour bacteria that may cause food poisoning.
• Like many fruits and vegetables, jams and sauces stay longer at higher temperatures.

Personal Safety: Generally, during a power cut, everyone should be gathered in the most comfortable place in the house. In addition, try to stay home and not go out during the power cut. After confirming the power cut, gather your family to ensure personal safety.

Power Cuts in Edinburgh FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the power cuts in Edinburgh:

1. How can we confirm if the power has been cut?

To determine if the power has been cut, you can follow these steps:

• Look outside. If the street lights are on and the neighbours have power, the problem is more likely to be inside your home rather than a power cut.
• Check the fuse box to make sure all switches are turned on.
• If you have a pay-as-you-go meter, ensure you have enough credit.
• If you still can't determine the cause of the power cut after trying the above methods, call a professional electrician or repair department instead of trying to fix anything yourself.

2. What safety issues should you pay attention to during a power cut in the UK?

A power cut can cause many safety issues, so it is essential to be aware of the situation and take safety measures to protect your family and property during a power cut.

3. Why can some power cuts be repaired in minutes while others take hours or days?

The time it takes to restore a power cut is affected by various factors, including the nature and cause of the cut.

• Weather (Some extreme environmental and weather conditions require repair crews to stop working.)
• The nature of the cut (For example, replacing a pole takes much longer than replacing a fuse.)
• The extent of the cut (For example, the amount of other work going on during a storm.)
• High-priority events (Events such as more dangerous cuts are always given high priority.)

Final Thoughts

Power cuts happen all the time these days. Power cuts can occur for many reasons, like bad weather, equipment issues, or a not-so-great power transmission system. A power cut can mess things up for people, regardless of the cause.

This article talks about the power cuts in Edinburgh and shares some handy advice and tips. Checking the steps and tips here will help you and your family in an emergency. Consider getting a Jackery Solar Generator to power up your household appliances in a power cut.