Rota Load Frequently Asked Questions

In the event that the Energy Emergencies Executive advises all the UK’s Electricity Distribution Network Operators that there is insufficient electricity to meet demand, we will implement interruptions to everyone’s electricity supplies, on a basis known as 'rota power cuts'.

• What are rota power cuts?
• How often will I be switched off?
• How long will it last?
• How will you know when you’ll be without electricity?
• What do I do if my electricity does not come back on when I expect it to?
• Can we make exceptions?
  Can you help?
• Using Portable Generators
• Helpful hints
• Full Rota Outage Schedule

What are rota power cuts?

Rota power cuts are implemented during times of supply shortage to make sure that the nation's electricity is equally and fairly distributed. Under these conditions, the electricity is turned off for about three hours, based on a timetable so as to be fair to everybody.

The purpose of rota power cuts is to reduce the demand for electricity to the level of electricity generation that is available. This means that there will have to be an interruption to your electricity supply for part of the week until there is sufficient power available again.

To share the electricity fairly, the country is divided into 'blocks' and the power cuts move between the blocks.

How often will I be switched off?

The electricity supply will be turned off to certain areas (known as blocks) for 3 hours at a time, depending on the shortage of electricity. This could be affected by the weather, the time of day and the demand for electricity.

At the lowest level of emergency, you could expect to be without electricity for just one three hour period in any week. However, if there is a more severe shortage of electricity, you may be without supply more than once in a week.

How long will it last?

The rota power cuts will be needed as long as there is a shortfall in electricity generation. When the situation improves we will inform you through press, radio and TV messages.

How will you know when you’ll be without electricity?

• Your local radio station should be able to provide general information for you.
• Enter your Postcode into the Rota Load lookup.By calling the following numbers:
  
  Central and Southern Scotland: 0845 27 27 99
  Merseyside and North Wales: 0845 27 22 424
  
  
• If you call electricity emergency or General Enquiries numbers you may automatically hear a message listing the groups currently affected.
• The actual time at which your supply is switched off and on is only approximate and may vary by up to half an hour due to technical issues.
• If you are not off supply due to a rota power cut there may be a separate fault affecting your area, so you should listen to the message carefully for further instructions.
• If you leave a light switched on when the electricity goes off, then you will know when your supply has been restored.

What do I do if my electricity does not come back on when I expect it to?

If your electricity supply has not been restored after 4 hours please call your Electricity Distribution Network Operator, their number will be in the Yellow Pages under electricity.

Can we make exceptions?

• No. We’re sorry but we can’t
• Rota power cuts need to work on an area by area basis and therefore it is not possible to separate individual properties.
• To be fair to everyone the power cuts will happen at different times on different days to minimise any inconvenience.
• There are government guidelines which allow a very few essential organisations to remain on supply (however even these companies MUST reduce their electricity consumption).

Can you help?

Yes, it may be possible to avoid some power cuts by reducing the amount of electricity you are using. Please turn off every non-essential item, such as dish washers or tumble dryers, and minimise the use of electric cooking. Also unplug all equipment that has a standby feature - they use electricity even when you are not using them.

Using Portable Generators

You should not connect portable generators to your home wiring unless you have had a proper connection installed by an authorised person. An incorrectly connected generator could cause danger to yourself and tour electrical equipment.

Helpful hints

When the power goes off, switch off electric heaters and cookers to avoid a fire risk when the power is restored.

Its always best to switch off and unplug equipment, including satellite receivers, video and dvd recorders, televisions and computer equipment etc, but leave a light on to tell when the power is restored. It may help if you can turn off your central heating time switch while the electricity supply is off.

• Fill a vacuum flask with hot water boiled in the kettle and recharge mobile phones and rechargeable batteries for torches before the supply goes off.
• Cordless phones don’t work without electricity, so consider having a basic telephone in case of emergencies.
• Keep fridge and freezer doors closed. Contents should be safe for many hours but, if in any doubt, dispose of the food if it appears to have defrosted.
• Check on elderly or infirm neighbours and make them aware of the electricity supply interruption situation.
• To keep warm, stay in one room, or even in bed, and remember gas and oil central heating boilers generally won’t work without electricity to power their pumps.
• When using an alternative form of heating or lighting - use it safely.
• Listen out for information on local radio – use your car radio if you don’t have a battery radio.
• It may be necessary to adjust time switches and clocks when your power returns.
• Back up your computer work before the power is expected to go off.
• A battery back up alarm clock may be useful for any overnight or early morning power interruptions