Witney News - Council supports power cuts helpline

Council supports power cuts helpline

West Oxfordshire District Council is supporting the launch of 105, a new national three-digit helpline telephone number that will make it quicker and easier for people to report a power cut.

Many people don’t know who to contact during a power cut and wrongly call the electricity supplier shown on their bill.

By calling the helpline, householders will be put through to the company that repairs local power networks and restores power.

Cllr Robert Courts, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing said, “Having a free, easy-to-remember number is a great boon during a power cut and so we are keen to let West Oxfordshire householders know about the new 105 helpline.”

The 105 number is available to electricity customers in England, Scotland and Wales and can be accessed from most landlines and mobile phones

The number is jointly funded by electricity network operators - the companies that manage the cables, wires and substations that bring electricity into homes and businesses. Network operators can also be contacted directly by phone or via their website, and most network operators can be contacted through social media too.

The public can also call 105 if they spot damage to electricity power lines and substations that could put them, or someone else, in danger. If there’s a serious immediate risk, the emergency services should also be contacted.

Visit www.powercut105.com to find out more about the new 105 telephone number and electricity network operators.