1. 105 – Getting Ready For Winter stakeholder toolkit
November 2016

2. Introduction
Thank you for agreeing to help spread the word about the new, free number to call during a power cut - and our Getting Ready For Winter campaign, which aims to highlight the need for the public to prepare for stormier weather.
This toolkit contains a range of information and resources to help you raise awareness of 105 through your channels. It includes:
Key messages about 105
105 Q&A
Template copy
Tips on what to do during a power cut
A quote from Energy Networks Association
Social media posts
A template press release
The 105 logo, brand guidelines and supporting imagery
Our animated film about 105
The service was successfully launched in September 2016, but with winter now here bringing an increased risk of severe weather which can damage power network and cause power cuts, we’d like to remind the public that this free service is available to help them if their electricity supply is affected.
The images and other supporting assets referenced in this toolkit can be downloaded from the ENA website at
If you have any questions about 105 or these resources, please contact or call and ask for a member of the 105 team.

3. Key messages about 105
These are the main messages we want to communicate about 105. You can use them as the basis of any information you provide to your members or the people you work with.
Main key messages
105 is a new number that you can call to report or get information about a power cut.
You can call 105 no matter who you choose to buy your electricity from.
105 is one of the ways that you can contact your electricity network operator. Your network operator can also be contacted directly by phone or via their website – most network operators can be contacted through social media too.
105 is a free service for people in England, Scotland and Wales.
Supplementary messages
British winter brings with it the increased risk of storms that can damage power networks and cause power cuts.
Research by Energy Networks Association and electricity network operators across the UK has found that many members of the public don’t know how to prepare for storms.
You can also call 105 if you spot damage to electricity power lines and substations that could put you, or someone else, in danger. If there is a serious immediate risk to someone, you should call the emergency services too.
Network operators manage and maintain the power lines and substations that bring electricity into homes and businesses.
Network operators aren’t the same as energy suppliers. Network operators manage power lines and substations, and energy suppliers sell the electricity that runs through the power lines.
You can call 105 for free from most landlines and mobile phones.
Customers who may be more vulnerable in a power cut due to medical or personal circumstances and have joined a Priority Services Register should continue to call the number provided by their network operator. Customers can also continue to call their network operator’s general enquiry line for issues not relating to power cuts and electricity emergencies.
To find out who your network operator is, visit powercut105.com.

4. 105 Q&A
We have developed a short Q&A that includes some of the key questions that you and the people you work with may have about 105.
This Q&A is supplied as a separate document that can be downloaded from the ENA website at
In addition to this, these additional Q&As have been developed specifically for the Getting Ready For Winter activity:
Q: Why do so many of us fail to equip ourselves during these months?
A: Despite storms being quite prevalent in the UK, they still seem to take some of us by surprise. Unfortunately, when storms do happen it increases the risk of damage to electricity networks and can cause power cuts, something which many people are unaccustomed to dealing with. In fact, recent research we conducted with UK consumers shows that 40% of people haven’t experienced a power cut in the last three years.
However, no one likes being left in the dark and more vulnerable customers such as elderly people, disabled people or those with young children or who are medically dependent on electricity should take extra care to ensure they know how to reach the right people if a storm does result in the power going off – and consider joining their local network operator’s Priority Services Register. To find out who your local network operator is visit
Q: What simple things can we do right now to ensure we protect ourselves this winter?
A: During a storm power cuts can be caused by flying debris so it’s important to always make sure bins are secured, gutters and drains are cleared and, if possible, trees are trimmed. There are also a few things everyone can do to prevent the inconvenience that comes with a power cut – remember to keep a mobile phone fully charged with the 105 number – which is free to call - saved into its contacts. Keep a torch handy, as they are safer than candles, switch off all electrical appliances but leave a light on so you know when power is restored.

5. 105 Q&A contd.
Q: Why is it so important that the public is armed with the basic knowledge of how to protect their home during the winter months - particularly during storms?
A: Power cuts are increasingly uncommon across the UK, but if they do happen they can be a real inconvenience. During a storm flying debris can be one of the main causes of electricity network damage and power cuts. By taking basic steps power cuts can be made less troublesome. These can include clearing guttering to prevent flooding or leaks, trimming trees to avoid damage to our homes and always keeping a torch and the free to call 105 power cut phone line handy. It can also be helpful to ensure is bookmarked in your smart phone web browser. Recent research has shown us that not being able to contact people we know during a power cut is a real concern for customers, so we would always urge people to keep their mobile phones fully charged when storms are predicted.

6. Template copy
Here is some template copy about the 105 Getting Ready For Winter campaign that you may wish to use on your website or in other communications, such as newsletters or magazines. We have provided two versions suitable for different word counts.

7. Short copy
Power companies urge public to get set for winter The UK’s power network companies are reminding the public to prepare for winter weather and save the new 105 number for power cuts into their phones. As the winter brings more severe weather such as storms, the potential risk of power cuts increases. 105 is a new number that you can call to report or get information about a power cut. It will put you through to your local electricity network operator – the company that manages the cables, wires and substations that bring electricity into homes and businesses in your area. 105 is a free service for people in England, Scotland and Wales, and you can call the number from most landlines and mobile phones. It doesn’t matter who you choose to buy your electricity from - anyone can call 105. You can also call 105 if you spot damage to electricity power lines and substations that could put you, or someone else, in danger. The British winter could increase the risk of storms, which can damage power networks and cause power cuts. If there’s a serious immediate risk, call the emergency services too. Don’t be left in the dark. Call 105. To find out more, visit powercut105.com.

8. Longer copy
Power companies urge public to get set for winter Winter’s arrival brings the increased risk of storms that can damage power networks and cause power cuts. However, research by Energy Networks Association and electricity network operators across Great Britain (the organisations responsible for launching the new, free 105 power cut phone number) has found that many of us simply don’t know how to prepare for storms. Research investigating how British people prepare for winter has found that nearly 40% of people aren’t sure of how to protect their home when a storm is forecast. Because of this, the UK’s power network companies are reminding the public to prepare for winter weather and save the new, free 105 number for power cuts into their phones. 105 is an easy-to-remember number that will put you through to your local electricity network operator - the company that manages the cables, wires and substations that bring electricity into local homes and businesses. 105 is just one of the ways you can contact your network operator. They can still be contacted directly by phone on their 0800 number or via their website – and most can be reached through social media too. 105 is a free service for people in England, Scotland and Wales, and you can call the number from most landlines and mobile phones. It doesn’t matter who you choose to buy your electricity from - anyone can call 105. You can also call 105 if you spot damage to electricity power lines and substations that could put you, or someone else, in danger. If there’s a serious immediate risk, call the emergency services too. Don’t be left in the dark. Call 105. To find out more, visit powercut105.com.

9. Tips on what to do during a power cut this winter
You may wish to share these tips through your channels, to inform people about what to do should they experience a power cut.
What should I do during a power cut?
Switch off all electrical appliances that shouldn’t be left unattended, ready for when the power comes back on.
Leave a light on so you know when the power cut has been resolved.
Check in with your neighbours to see if they are okay.
Keep warm – keep a blanket and warm clothing handy, and fill a vacuum flask or hot water bottle.
Contact your electricity network operator to report the power cut, either by calling 105 or via their other channels. Visit powercut105.com for details of your local network operator.
How can I prepare for a power cut?
Keep a torch handy – it’s much safer than using candles.
Ensure gutters are kept clear to avoid flooding and, if possible, keep any trees close to power cables trimmed.
Get a battery-powered or wind-up radio (useful for keeping up to date with relevant local news).
Stock your cupboard with food and drink that doesn’t require electricity to prepare it.
Keep your mobile phone and laptop fully charged.
Check your network operator’s website or social media channels for updates.

10. Quote from Energy Networks Association
Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the organisation that represents electricity network operators. The following quote from ENA has been approved for use in any communications about the introduction of 105. Tony Glover, Director of Policy at Energy Networks Association, commented: “By thinking ahead millions of Brits can ensure that they, their family and their homes are ready for this winter – especially if we see any severe storms which could potentially damage their local power network and cause their lights to go out. Electricity network operators across the UK invest millions of pounds every day to improve the quality and reliability of the power networks which deliver electricity to people’s doors, however, severe weather can cause damage and disruption. “Not being in the dark about what to do is key as it can help reduce the impact and inconvenience of a power cut. We want to ensure the British public is ready and armed with the national phone line - this winter so they can quickly and effectively get the help and advice they need if they experience a power cut.”

11. Social media posts Imagery
We have provided a set of posts and accompanying copy that you may wish to use on your social media channels. Jpegs of the posts (sized for Twitter and Facebook) can be downloaded from the ENA website at If you would like any additional posts, please contact the 105 communications team on
Imagery
Social media copy
Now it’s winter and stormy weather is more likely, don’t get left in the dark. In case of a power cut, call 105.
Get ready for winter: save 105 the new, free number to call during a power cut into your phone.
105 is new, free, and you'll get through to your local electricity network operator 24/7. If you have a power cut this winter, call 105.
We’re getting ready for winter. You can too by saving 105, the new, free number to call during a power cut, into your phone.

12. Template press release
You can use the press release copy on the following page if you would like to publically highlight your support for 105 and the Getting Ready For Winter campaign.

13. Power companies urge public to get set for winter
PRESS RELEASE
<Date>
Power companies urge public to get set for winter
<Organisation> supports campaign that reminds public to save new 105 number for power cuts into their phones.
As the British weather worsens, there is an increased risk of storms occurring, which could potentially damage power networks and in turn cause power cuts. <Organisation> is backing a campaign from the UK’s power network companies to get Britain winter ready and prepared for adverse weather that may come our way.
Research by Energy Networks Association and electricity network operators across Great Britain (the organisations responsible for launching the new, free 105 power cut phone number) has found many of us lack basic knowledge on how to prepare for storms.
The research investigated how British people prepare for winter, and shows nearly 40% of people aren’t sure of how to protect their home when a storm is forecast. In fact, 60% of Brits think keeping a torch handy is preparation enough for a storm, while only a quarter (25%) clear drains, clear gutters (28%) or secure their bins (43%).
Other winter-ready tips aren’t being utilised by British people. Despite a quarter of Brits saying they fear not being able to make contact with others, they don’t keep phones or tablets charged prior to a storm which may cause a power cut. Only 25% of British people make sure they have a power cut number, such as the free to call 105, to hand or saved in their phone in case the lights go out.
The memorable 105 number was launched earlier this autumn. ENA and electricity network operators worked in partnership to deliver the new power cut line designed to help people contact the company that looks after their local electricity network. Callers across England, Scotland and Wales who dial the free number will be put directly through to their local electricity network operator to get advice about a power cut or report damage to power lines.
<Spokesperson> from <organisation> said: “We welcome the introduction of 105 and believe the service will be of great benefit to <our members/the people we work with/the public>. Power cuts can leave people feeling confused about what to do. 105 will help to tackle this. We believe the number will be particularly important when there’s bad weather, as severe storms can sometimes cause disruption to the electricity supply into homes and businesses.”
105 is available to electricity customers in England, Scotland and Wales. The number can be accessed from most landlines and mobile phones. It doesn’t matter who you choose to buy electricity from - anyone can call 105. Network operators can also be contacted directly by phone or via their website, and most network operators can be contacted through social media too.
The public can also call 105 if they spot damage to electricity power lines and substations that could put them, or someone else, in danger. If there’s a serious immediate risk, the emergency services should be called too. Visit powercut105.com to find out more about 105 and electricity network operators.
- Ends -

14. 105 logo and supporting imagery
You can find the 105 logo, brand assets and brand guidelines on the ENA website at
The following versions of the logo are available:
Full colour
Black and white
Welsh language
Versions for limited space
The available assets include the 105 ‘eyes’ that are used across the communications campaign.

15. Animated film about 105
We have created a short animated film to explain what 105 is and how people can benefit from it. The film will soon be available to download from the ENA website at

16. Thank you For more information, please contact energynetworks@kindredagency.com