What is the Electricity Supply Emergency Code?
It's the government's plan for sharing electricity fairly in a long national shortage. It is run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, with the National Energy System Operator and your local electricity network company. It was last updated in April 2026.
It is a back-up plan, not something in use today. The rota times would only be published once cuts had been approved, so you would know your times in advance.
Kate's tip: you don't need to worry about it. You just need to know your letter, the same way you know where your stopcock is.
How do I find my letter?
Every home is in one of 18 groups, each with a letter: A B C D E G H J K L M N P Q R S T U. (There is no F, I or O.)
- Look at your electricity bill. It's usually on the front page, in a small box near your address. It might say "Rota Block Letter", or it might just be a letter on its own.
- Or type your postcode into powercut105.com, the official power-cut website run by the electricity network companies.
- Or call 105. It's free, from any phone, and puts you through to your local network company.
Your letter stays the same unless you move home. Write it on your Kit List and stick it on the fridge.
What would a rota cut mean for my home?
- Your letter's area would be switched off for around three hours, once or twice a day.
- Times can move by about 30 minutes either way, so be ready a little early.
- The rota is only published once cuts are approved. You'd find your times at powercut105.com and in the news.
Three hours is very doable when you know it's coming. It's a power cut you can plan around.
Does anyone stay switched on?
Only a short list of protected sites, such as major hospitals with A&E and air traffic control. If your bill shows the letter V, that means a protected site.
Homes on the Priority Services Register are still part of the rota, but the register is free and gives you extra help and support from your energy companies. If anyone in your home relies on electricity for medical equipment, join it, and talk to your doctor or equipment supplier about a back-up plan.
Kate's 3-hour ready list
- Your letter written down and on the fridge
- A torch for everyone, with spare batteries
- Phones and a power bank charged before your slot
- A battery or wind-up radio for the news
- A flask of hot water filled before the power goes off
- Warm layers, blankets and hot water bottles. Most gas boilers need electricity to run.
- Meals planned around your slot, and the fridge and freezer kept shut
Kate's tip: turn it into a cosy evening. Hot chocolate from the flask, a board game by torchlight, and the radio on.
Get my free Kit List See Kate's power-cut kit
Northern Ireland has its own version of the plan, run with NIE Networks. Call 105 to ask about yours. Checked by Ready Kate against the Energy Networks Association (powercut105.com), UK Power Networks and SSEN, November 2026.