How we're responding
"During heatwaves, we look after our teams so they can continue to look after you, taking sensible breaks and carrying out more demanding jobs during the cooler parts of the day, when tackling difficult tasks in personal protective equipment is more manageable. This helps us restore power as quickly as we can, while keeping our people safe."
Roisin Quinn, Field Operations Director
"During heatwaves, we look after our teams so they can continue to look after you, taking sensible breaks and carrying out more demanding jobs during the cooler parts of the day, when tackling difficult tasks in personal protective equipment is more manageable. This helps us restore power as quickly as we can, while keeping our people safe"
Roisin Quinn, Field Operations Director
How can a heatwave cause power cuts?
When temperatures rise, demand for electricity goes up. More homes, schools and businesses switch on air conditioning and cooling systems, putting extra pressure on the network.
At the same time, the heat itself can affect the equipment that keeps your power running. Power lines and insulators expand in high temperatures, and overheating can reduce the efficiency of network equipment.
Overhead lines and underground cables are built to carry a set amount of current safely, based on an expected air or ground temperature. They also sag more in hot weather, bringing them closer to trees, buildings and the ground.
Why you may notice more disruption this summer
This spring and summer have brought some of the warmest weather on record. Met Office data shows all three spring months this year ranked among the top ten warmest ever recorded, with 40 counties experiencing their warmest spring on record. That heat continued into June, which was England's warmest on record, with nights staying warmer than usual as well as days.
Sustained heat like this puts extra pressure on our network. Equipment doesn't get the chance to cool down overnight, and demand for cooling during the day adds to the strain.
Longer heatwaves mean a higher chance of heat-related faults, which can cause power cuts for our customers.
Watch our apprentice Jacub explain exactly how heat affects the network in the video below.
Coping in a heatwave
Our top tips for keeping your home cool and minimising the impact of the heat on electrical appliances during hot weather.
Keep your fridge closed during a power cut
Your fridge will keep food safe for up to 4 hours, as long as the door stays shut.
Don't open your freezer
A full freezer will hold its temperature for around 48 hours (24 hours if it's half full), so long as you keep the door closed throughout.
Avoid using large appliances during peak heat
Washing machines, dishwashers and similar appliances generate extra heat and put more demand on the network, so it's best to use them earlier or later in the day.
Close your blinds or curtains during the day
This helps keep your home cooler and reduces how hard you need to work any fans or cooling appliances.
Charge a power bank in advance
If a power cut does happen, you'll still be able to use your phone to stay in touch, check for updates or call us if you need to.
Check any medication that needs to be kept cool
If you rely on medicines that must be refrigerated, keep an eye on their storage and speak to your pharmacist about what to do if your fridge is affected.
