COTSWOLD District Council is supporting the launch of a new helpline number for power cuts.

The number has been launched nationally because many people don’t know who to contact during a power cut and wrongly call the electricity supplier shown on their bill.

But from Tuesday, September 6, the new number 105 will be there to help people get through to their local electricity network operator - the company responsible for the network that delivers electricity to their door.

It’s a free easy-to-remember number that people can call to report or obtain information about a power cut in their area. It puts callers through to the people who will repair their local power network and restore their power.

Cllr Sue Jepson, Cotswold's cabinet member for housing and communities, said: "We welcome the introduction of this new 105 telephone number as it should be of benefit to local residents.

“Sudden power cuts can occur at any time and can place some people under severe stress, especially older and vulnerable residents living alone, and the 105 telephone number will help them to find out what is happening as quickly as possible.”

The 105 number will be available to electricity customers in England, Scotland and Wales and can be rung from both landlines and mobile phones. It doesn’t matter who you choose to buy electricity from - anyone can call the new number.

The number is jointly funded by electricity network operators.

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 also be contacted.

Visit powercut105.com to find out more.