You might be entitled to compensation if your electricity supply goes off. What you can claim depends on:
- if it is due to planned works
- how long you don’t have electricity
- if a network operator has not met standards set by Ofgem, the GB energy regulator.
Network operators are regulated by Ofgem. Ofgem sets service standards network operators must meet. These include rules on how quickly operators must restore supply in normal and severe weather conditions, and compensation consumers get if standards aren’t met.
How payments are made
Payments are typically made automatically, with a cheque sent to the property which has been without power. Network operators manage the wires and infrastructure that powers your property. They're different to the company you pay your energy bill to, your energy supplier. It's not possible for payments to be credited to your energy bill as network operators don't have access to billing information held by suppliers.
What you will receive
Compensation for power cuts in normal weather
If your power is cut off, your local network company has either 12 or 24 hours to restore supplies. How long that takes depends on how many homes are affected by a single fault.
Power cut to fewer than 5,000 premises
- If your home is without power for more than 12 hours you can get £95.
- Businesses that are on a non-domestic energy contract can get £180. If you are not sure what type of energy contract you have for your business read Ofgem's Get energy for your business guide.
- Homes and businesses can get a further £40 for each additional 12 hours of being without power.
Power cut to more than 5,000 premises
- If your home is without power for more than 24 hours you can get £95. Businesses that are non-domestic customers can get £180.
- Homes and businesses can get an extra £40 for each additional 12 hours of being without electricity, up to a total of £360.
More than four power cuts in a year
If your home or business is cut off more than four times in a year for at least three hours each time, you can get an extra £95.
The year runs from 1 April to 31 March.
Compensation for power cuts in severe weather
The amount of compensation you could get depends on the category of the severe weather, and how long you were without a power supply.
There are two storm categories. They are based on the impact the storm has on the electricity network, such as damage to pylons and overhead cables.
The categories are different to the storm categories issued by the Met Office and are determined by the energy regulator, Ofgem.
Storm category 1
You can get £85 if your power has been cut off for 24 hours.
You will get an extra £40 for every 6 hours afterwards. The maximum amount you can claim is £2,000.
Storm category 2
You can get £85 if your power has been cut off for 48 hours.
You will get an extra £40 for every 6 hours afterwards. The maximum amount you can claim is £2,000.
Further information is available on Ofgem's website.
Further help
Citizens Advice and Advice Direct Scotland can help if you need support.
Citizens Advice
- Call on 0808 223 1133 or use their online webchat.
- For textphone, dial 18001 followed by the helpline number.
Advice Direct Scotland
- Visit the energyadvice.scot website
- Call 0808 196 8660 or use their online webchat
- Email energyadvice.scot
