Outage Notification (Carding)

Overview

Statutory compliance, zero ambiguity

UA-5's in-house carding team manages the full end-to-end outage notification process. Accurate and timely outage notification is a statutory obligation under both DNO operational policy and the Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations (ESQCR). Our service ensures every notification is issued, evidenced and traceable.

Using our digital reporting system, we provide geographical and photographic evidence of notification delivery, eliminating ambiguity and ensuring compliance with client and regulatory standards.

What we deliver

Hand delivery of outage notifications with photographic proof of service at each property
Direct calling of high-risk PSR (Priority Services Register) individuals
Business client notification for planned shutdowns
Digital Carding Register with unique reference IDs for every notification
Geotagged photographic evidence of delivery for every address
Exception handling and follow-up for non-responses or access refusals
Weekly summary reports and Final Carding Register on programme completion

ESQCR Compliance

The Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations (ESQCR) impose statutory obligations on network operators regarding the notification of planned outages to affected customers and landowners. UA-5's carding process is designed specifically to meet these requirements — every notification is issued within the required statutory notice period, evidenced at point of delivery and recorded in a fully auditable digital register.

Our Methodology

Fully auditable from preparation to handover

Pre-Mobilisation & Data Preparation

Programme of works reviewed to identify all customers requiring notification. Land parcels and property boundaries verified against GIS mapping. Notification documentation prepared to client specification. A unique reference number assigned to each notification for tracking and audit purposes.

Notification Delivery

Notifications issued a minimum of 21–30 days prior to planned works (as agreed with the client). Hand delivered by UA-5 field staff with photographic proof of delivery at each property. PSR customers contacted directly by telephone. Business clients notified of planned outage timings and arrangements.

Tracking & Audit Log

All issued notifications entered into UA-5's Digital Carding Register recording reference ID, address, geotagged photograph, date and method of issue, and the person responsible for delivery. Potential changes to the customer list reported on the UA-5 return as they arise.

Exception Handling & Reporting

Exception cases — including access refusals, disputed addresses and non-responses — logged, escalated and tracked to resolution. Weekly summary reports provided. Final Carding Register containing all notification evidence and supporting photographs delivered on project completion.

Carding and Permit Holding — a seamless service

UA-5 provides both outage notification and permit holding, meaning we can manage the full outage process from initial notification through to shutdown execution. When both services are engaged together, our teams coordinate directly — ensuring no gaps between the carding process and the day of work.

Learn about Permit Holding