What to do in the event of a power outage

Be prepared

Proper preparation helps protect you and your property until the power supply is restored. If you have been notified of an upcoming power outage, or if severe weather conditions are expected that could cause network outages, it is advisable to have the following available:

• A flashlight and spare batteries.
• Avoid using candles in areas where flammable materials are present.
• A fully charged mobile phone (please note that during a power outage, your router/modem will not operate, so internet access via your fixed connection will not be available)
• A fully charged power bank.
• A battery-powered radio.
• A supply of drinking water.
• A basic first-aid kit.
• A printed list of important telephone numbers.
• Cash

To better protect your electrical appliances and equipment

• Use surge-protected power strips.
• Install a UPS or voltage stabilizer for critical equipment.
• Have your internal electrical installation inspected and your Licensed Electrician Certification renewed by a licensed electrician.

In the event of a power outage, we make every effort to restore electricity supply to your area as quickly as possible. However, for your safety, we recommend taking the following precautions:

You can stay informed about the status of the network through the Scheduled Power Outages service and the My DEDDiE App. You can also enable notifications on your mobile phone, provided that internet access via your mobile network provider’s data service is available.

During a power outage, to protect your electrical equipment, it is advisable to unplug sensitive electronic devices such as computers, televisions and network equipment. You should also avoid opening refrigerators and freezers unnecessarily, as this will help keep food cold for longer and reduce the risk of spoilage.

Once electricity supply has been restored, it is advisable to carry out a few basic checks to ensure that your electrical installation and appliances are operating properly.

1. Check that the main switch and fuses are operating normally.

2. Reconnect electrical appliances gradually

To avoid overloading the electrical installation:

• Switch on the essential equipment in the property first.
• Gradually reconnect high-consumption appliances, such as water heaters and electric cookers.

3. Check sensitive electronic equipment

Make sure that devices such as the following are operating correctly:

• Computers and peripherals
• Routers and network equipment
• Televisions and entertainment systems
• Alarm and video surveillance systems

4. In apartment buildings or commercial premises, it is advisable to check:

• Lifts, without using them, and common-area installations
• Emergency lighting and fire safety systems

5. Check heating, cooling and automation systems

After a prolonged power outage, the following systems may need to be reset or restarted:

• Air-conditioning units
• Heating systems
• Programmers and timers
• Smart devices and home automation systems

6. Food spoilage

After a prolonged power outage, it is advisable to check the contents of your refrigerator for any signs of food spoilage.

7. If you identify damage to an electrical appliance

HEDNO examines compensation claims only where the damage is caused by a confirmed neutral conductor failure. This is established following a technical inspection and investigation of the circumstances of the incident.

A neutral conductor failure is an electrical fault that can result in very large increases or decreases in voltage within an electrical installation. The neutral conductor is essential for the correct and safe operation of the electrical installation.

This is a rare occurrence that may cause damage to electrical and electronic appliances and differs from ordinary power outages or temporary voltage fluctuations that may occur during normal network operation.

Find out more about the eligibility requirements, required supporting documents and the steps you need to follow.