National Grid is sending text messages to UK households warning that power cuts may be more common than usual due to the hot weather. The alert advises residents to prepare for potential disruptions and offers support for those who rely on electricity for medical reasons.
Text message alert
The text message reads: "Hi, this is National Grid. Hot weather can affect the network, so power cuts may be more common than usual. Prepare now so you're ready if this happens: nationalgrid.co.uk/hot-weather-text." It continues: "If you rely on electricity for medical reasons or need extra support, we're here to help. Call 105 or visit: nationalgrid.co.uk/PSR."
National Grid's website explains that hot weather can strain the electricity network. It states: "When temperatures rise, our equipment has to work harder, and so do our colleagues out on the network keeping your power running." Households can use the website's postcode checker to track power cuts in their area.
Heatwave impact
Roisin Quinn, Field Operations Director, said: "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."
According to the Met Office, England and Wales have provisionally recorded their driest July on record, with Southern England seeing its driest month ever recorded in a series dating back to 1836. The dry conditions have been accompanied by exceptional warmth across much of the UK.
Why more disruption this summer?
National Grid explains: "This spring and summer have brought some of the warmest weather on record. Met Office data show that all three spring months this year ranked among the top 10 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 puts extra pressure on the network. Equipment doesn't cool down overnight, and demand for cooling during the day adds to the strain. Longer heatwaves increase the risk of heat-related faults, which can cause power cuts.
How to prepare
National Grid recommends keeping a lantern or torch in an easy-to-find place, checking that batteries work and having spares. Candles and paraffin lights are not recommended as they can be dangerous. The company suggests having a wind-up, battery, or solar radio for local updates, and a power bank or solar charger for mobile devices.
Digital and cordless phones may not work during a power cut, so having a plug-in phone is advisable. Sensitive electrical equipment should be protected with a surge protector. For those with mains-operated chair lifts, checking for a manual release handle is important for safety. Updates can be followed on social media and the online power cut map.
How heatwaves cause power cuts
When temperatures rise, electricity demand increases as more homes, schools, and businesses use air conditioning and cooling systems. Heat can also affect equipment: power lines and insulators expand, and overheating reduces efficiency. Overhead lines and cables sag more in hot weather, bringing them closer to trees, buildings, and the ground.
