Electricity Supply Emergency Code (ESEC)
Disconnection Timetable
Introduction
The Electricity Supply Emergency Code (ESEC) describes steps which the UK can take in the event of a civil emergency, natural disaster or scheduled rota disconnections in the event of an energy generation shortage.
Below you are able to ascertain what times that any disconnections may affect you together with further information on how any announcements of disconnections would be advised.Please note that these provisions are only to be implemented during an emergency scenario and as a last resort and there is no guarantee emergency measures will be necessary and National Grid ESO’s view remains that there will be sufficient electricity generation through the coming winter.
Load Block
You will need to identify your Load Block. Please click here lookup your block for W3 8PE (External site link)
Your Load Block (sometimes called Alpha Identifier) can also be found printed on your bill.
Disconnection Level
Disconnection Timetable
Please choose both a Load Block letter and a Disconnection Level to view a timetable.
How does the Emergency Plan operate?
In the rare event of a shortage of electricity generation capacity, the Government will take action and invoke the Electricity Supply Emergency Code.
This allows them to ration the usage of electricity by splitting the country into regions and each region has its own designated Distribution Network Operator (DNO) that manages supply for that area.
Each DNO then allocates its customers to a Load Letter/Alpha Identifier grouping which will have their own disconnection rota to ensure that the available electricity is shared as equitably as possible. At the lowest level, this will result in three or four 3-hour windows during a week when the electricity supply will be disrupted. During a declared emergency, if available supplies diminish, then higher levels will be implemented. At the most severe, level 18, no power is provided.
As the nature of the code is an emergency scenario, there may be very little notice of impending power disconnections - maybe less than 24 hours. There will be an announcement by the Government of the implementation of the plan and the affected areas and for how long and this will be reported by local and national TV and radio stations. Here at StreetGuide we will also provide details of any affected areas.
Additionally, visit the energyemergencies.co.uk website (it will only be live during disconnection periods) will provide information or you can text your postcode to 86633 (charges may apply).
There are exceptions to rota disconnections for protected sites such as hospitals, key transport operations, emergency services etc although they will also be expected to reduce unnecessary usage during disconnection periods.
For a copy of the full Electricity Supply Emergency Code document, please click here. (External site link)