Engineers of the gas distribution company which owns the network in your area will attend any gas escape free of charge. If the escape is inside your home, they may make it safe by turning off the supply. However, if it is safe to do so they will maintain the supply for heating and cooking appliances.
The engineer will leave behind information about who to contact to have the appliance repaired. If the cause of the escape is down to the distribution company, you will be entitled to compensation for being without gas for more than 24 hours. You should contact your supplier if this is the case. If the gas escape is not of their making then the distribution company will not compensate you.
- Open doors and windows
- Turn the gas off at the meter unless the meter is located in the cellar/basement
- Avoid the use of any naked flames or electrical switches
Free services
Your personal safety is important. To find out if you are eligible to receive a free gas safety check along with many other free services, see our free services for vulnerable consumer section.
Repairing gas appliances and pipes in your home
Repairs to gas equipment must be carried out by Gas Safe registered gas installers. If you do not have a service contract and do not know a suitable engineer, contact the Gas Safe Register helpline on 0800 408 5500 or check online www.gassaferegister.co.uk for details of registered gas installers in your area who do repair work. You may want to get more than one quote for the cost of the repairs. Before you let any engineer into your home, ask to see their Gas Safe Register identification to make sure that they are genuine, qualified engineers competent to work on your specific appliance.
Emergency contact numbers
Gas Emergency Contact Number: 0800 111 999
Electricity safety
In the event of a power cut or electricty emergency you will need to contact your electricity distribution company not your supplier. Your distribution company will depend on where you live and will not change even if you have switched energy supplier. You will find the contract details the emergency number to contact on your energy bill or in the phone directory under ‘electricity’. Here is a guide to what areas of the country are covered by energy distributors however this may vary so to check which company is your distribution company look at the back of your latest electricity bill.
- East Midlands – Central Networks Eastern Region: 0800 056 8090
- Eastern England – EDF Distribution East of England: 0800 783 8838
- Greater London – EDF Distribution London: 0800 028 0247
- North East England – CE Electric (NEDL): 0800 668877
- North Scotland – Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution: 0800 300 999
- North West England – United Utilities: 0800 195 41 41
- North Wales, Merseyside and Cheshire – Scottish Power Manweb: 0845 272 2424
- Southern England – Southern Electric Power Distribution: 08000 72 72 82
- Southern Scotland – SP Energy Networks Scotland: 0845 272 2424
- South Wales – Western Power Distribution (South Wales): 0800 052 0400
- South West England – Western Power Distribution (South West): 0800 365 900
- West Midlands – Central Networks Western Region: 0800 328 1111
- Yorkshire – CE Electric (YEDL): 0800 375 675
Free services
If you are disabled, have a long-term illness or are old enough to receive a pension, and a power cut or gas emergency has resulted in your heating or cooking appliances being disconnected, you are entitled to receive alternative heating and cooking equipment free of charge until your normal appliances are fixed.