If you’re wondering whether there is a power cut in Brighton and Hove, here’s how to check, who to contact and what to do while you wait for the lights to come back on.
Check the UK Power Networks Website
If you’re experiencing a power cut, access the UK Power Networks (UKPN) website if you can. This is the company responsible for maintaining the electricity network across Brighton, Hove and the wider Sussex area.
Head to ukpowernetworks.co.uk/power-cut and enter your postcode. You’ll see instantly whether there’s a known power cut in your area, what’s caused it, the estimated time for power to be restored and whether UK Power Networks engineers are already working on it.
You can also use the same page to report a new power cut if yours isn’t showing up yet.
Call 105 – the National Power Cut Helpline
If you don’t have internet access during a blackout, there’s a simple number to remember: 105.
This free national helpline connects you directly to your local electricity network operator — in Brighton’s case, that’s UK Power Networks.
When you call 105, you can report a power cut, find out what’s causing the outage, get updates and safety advice and notify the operator if someone in your home has medical equipment or mobility needs that rely on electricity
It’s a quick, easy and free way to get reliable information straight from the source.
Do a Quick Home Check
Before assuming there’s a wider issue, it’s worth ruling out problems inside your home.
- Check your fuse box. A tripped switch can sometimes mimic a power cut.
- Look outside to see if street lights or your neighbours’ homes have also lost power. If they still have electricity, the issue could be isolated to your property.
If your fuse box looks fine and your neighbours are also in the dark, it’s safe to say it’s a local outage and time to check in with UK Power Networks.
Follow UK Power Networks
For live updates, UK Power Networks often posts on their social media during major outages. Follow them on: Twitter / Facebook.
What to Do During a Power Cut In Brighton
Power cuts in Brighton are usually sorted quickly. While you are waiting you could unplug sensitive devices like TVs and computers to prevent damage when power returns, use torches instead of candles for safety and keep fridge and freezer doors closed to preserve food, stay warm. In winter add extra layers or blankets and check on neighbours, especially anyone elderly or vulnerable.
If you use medical or mobility equipment, you can register for UK Power Networks’ Priority Services to get extra support and updates during any outage.
Power Cuts in Brighton: Common Causes
Brighton and Hove’s power is generally reliable, but cuts can still happen for several reasons, including severe weather such as strong coastal winds, lightning, or flooding can damage overhead lines. They may also be due to planned maintenance – scheduled work on cables or substations can temporarily interrupt supply, accidental damage – contractors sometimes hit underground cables during roadworks or local faults – issues with substations or overloaded circuits in your neighbourhood.
You can see upcoming planned works on UK Power Networks’ maintenance map.
If Power Cuts Keep Happening
If you experience frequent problems, it may be a sign of a local network issue or a fault in your own electrical system. Keep a record of when it happens, then contact UK Power Networks or a qualified electrician. Persistent interruptions should always be investigated.
Key Contacts for Brighton Residents
| Issue | Who to Contact | Contact Info |
|---|---|---|
| Power cut or fault | UK Power Networks | Visit ukpowernetworks.co.uk/power-cut or call 105 |
| Electrical emergency (e.g. fire, injury) | Emergency Services | Call 999 |
| Billing or meter problems | Your energy supplier | Contact the company named on your bill |
Be Prepared for Future Outages
A few small steps can make power cuts far less stressful:
- Keep a battery-powered torch and spare batteries handy
- Store UK Power Networks’ number (105) in your phone
- Know where your fuse box is and how to reset it
- Keep a charged power bank for your phone
- Consider joining the Priority Services Register if you need additional support
If you’re wondering “Is there a power cut in Brighton right now?”, the best thing to do is visit UK Power Networks’ Power Cut Checker or call 105 for live updates. They’ll tell you exactly what’s happening, when power should be restored and how to stay safe until it is.
Most power cuts in Brighton are fixed within a few hours, so stay calm, keep cosy and know help is already on the way.
