What happens when the electricity goes out at your event?
- Wave Staffing Editor
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
If the electricity goes off during an event in Oxfordshire, you first make the situation safe, confirm whether it is a local (on-site) or network issue, then check and report via SSEN’s Power Track/105 while activating your backup and contingency plan.
Preparing in advance means building a clear power-cut plan, assembling an emergency kit, and, where appropriate, arranging alternative or backup power for critical event services.
When the power goes off at your event
During an event, your on-the-day procedure could be:
Immediate safety and quick checks
Stop any activities that could become unsafe in darkness (kitchens, hot equipment, machinery), switch off or isolate them if safe to do so.
Check whether nearby properties/parts of the venue also lost power; if neighbouring areas are lit, it may be an internal issue rather than a network fault.
Check the venue’s consumer unit/fuse board for tripped breakers if this is within your agreed responsibility and safe access.
Use SSEN Power Track and 105
Confirm who the local network operator is (in most of Oxfordshire this is SSEN) and then:
Call 105 (free, UK-wide) to report the power cut and get advice and estimated restoration times.
Use Power Track via the website or app to:
See if SSEN is already aware of the outage in that postcode.
Log the fault if it is not yet shown.
Subscribe to updates on progress and estimated time to fix.
If the web tool will not load (for example, Javascript issues or poor signal), rely on the 105 phone line and any SMS/email updates you have set up.
Activate your event contingency plan
Switch on any on-site backup power (generator, battery power station) following manufacturer and venue instructions and ensuring safe siting, ventilation and cabling.
Prioritise what gets powered: emergency and circulation lighting, catering safety (refrigeration where possible), sound for safety announcements, and any critical medical or accessibility equipment.
If you have no backup power, move guests to the safest, best-lit areas (daylight or emergency lighting) and minimise movement in dark zones.
Communicate with guests and stakeholders
Make a calm announcement explaining: that there is a power cut, that you are in contact with the network operator, and expected next steps or times for review.
Liaise with:
The venue manager (to align on decisions and use of any venue generators).
The caterer (food safety, cooking methods, hot holding times).
Entertainers/AV team (what can continue safely without mains power).
If the estimated restoration time is long, consider adapting format (e.g. move to candle-lit speeches only if fire safety allows and the venue approves) or shortening/postponing the event.
Food safety and equipment protection
Keep fridges and freezers closed to maintain temperature for as long as possible.
Unplug or switch off sensitive equipment (sound desks, lighting consoles, computers) so they are not damaged by surges when power returns.
Once power is restored, bring systems back online gradually and re-check any safety-critical equipment.
How to prepare for a power cut (using SSEN guidance)
Using SSEN’s “Preparing for a power cut” advice, you can turn their household guidance into an event-readiness checklist.
Know the key contacts and tools
Store the free 105 number in staff mobiles and event paperwork as the first point of contact for power cuts and dangerous network issues.
Make sure at least one event lead has the SSEN Power Track app installed and is familiar with using the postcode search and alert/subscribe functions.
Keep a printed list of emergency contacts: venue manager, landlord, generator hire company, caterer, technical supplier, medical support, plus 105 and any Priority Services contact details.
Build an event “power cut kit” (based on SSEN’s tips)
Torches and lanterns: Battery-powered or wind-up torches with fresh spare batteries; avoid candles for safety.
Communications: Fully charged mobiles and power banks for key staff; a battery-powered radio to follow local updates if mobile data is unreliable.
Comfort items (for some events): Blankets for cold-weather events, bottled water, and basic snacks if you expect guests may need to wait.
Printed plans: Hard copies of evacuation routes, site plans and emergency procedures so you are not reliant on screens.
Operational planning and training
Include a “power loss” section in your event risk assessment and method statements, covering: how lights and AV will fail, emergency lighting provision, and safe shutdown of kitchens and plant.
Brief all supervisors and key suppliers on:
Who calls 105 and checks Power Track.
Who liaises with the venue and who talks to the client/host.
Where torches and the emergency kit are stored.
If SSEN or the venue has warned of planned maintenance outages, adjust timings or build in a longer backup power solution for the affected window.
Backup power and specialist support
For higher-risk or high-profile events, pre-arrange generator hire sized for your critical loads and site layout; reputable providers in Oxfordshire can deliver and install emergency generators quickly when needed.
Ask the generator supplier to advise on: fuel storage, refuelling during the event, noise control, and safe cabling away from guests and staff routes.
Test any permanent or hired generator before guests arrive, including switchover and the priority circuits you expect to keep running.
Priority Services and vulnerable guests
If any guests, staff or on-site residents rely on electrically powered medical or mobility equipment, ensure the relevant property is registered with SSEN’s Priority Services Register for additional support during power cuts.
Build a simple internal note for your team highlighting any known vulnerabilities (without disclosing unnecessary personal details) and what to do if power fails
Booking events staff - www.wavestaffing.co.uk
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