Compensation

You might be entitled to compensation if you have a power cut.

What you can claim depends on:

  • if it is due to planned works
  • how long you are without power
  • if a network operator has not met standards set by Ofgem, the energy regulator in Great Britain

What you can claim

Compensation for power cuts in normal weather

Network operators have 12 or 24 hours to reconnect your power.

If the power cut affects fewer than 5,000 properties, and you are without power for 12 hours or more, you can claim:

  • £95 as a domestic customer
  • £180 as a non-domestic customer
  • You can get an extra £40 for each additional 12 hours of being without electricity, up to a total of £360

If the power cut affects more than 5,000 properties, and you are without power for 24 hours or more, you can claim:

  • £95 as a domestic customer
  • £180 as a non-domestic customer
  • You can get an extra £40 for each additional 12 hours of being without electricity, up to a total of £360

If you are cut off more than four times in a year for at least three hours each time, you can claim an extra £95 as a domestic or non-domestic customer.

The year runs from 1 April to 31 March.

Compensation for power cuts in severe weather

When you can claim depends on how Ofgem categorise storms in severe weather.

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

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. There's more information about compensation available on Ofgem's website.