A NATIONAL number to report a power cut or electricity emergency has been launched.

All calls to 105 in Dorset will be routed to Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, the new trading name of Southern Electric Power Distribution Plc.

The free-to-dial number was developed to help avoid potential confusion or people contacting the wrong organisation, such as the company they pay their energy bill to.

It will allow people to report or get information about power cuts, as well as report damage to electricity power lines and substations.

Colin Nicol, managing director at Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, said: “We do everything we can to keep the lights on and on the rare occasions there is a power cut we want to make it as easy as possible for our customers to contact us.

"With the introduction of 105, we believe this easy-to-remember number will make it even simpler for customers to get in touch and help us get on with the job of putting things right."