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 24 hours to reconnect your power if more than 5,000 homes are affected by a single problem. If you are without power for 12 hours or more, you can claim:

  • £75 as a domestic customer
  • £150 as a non-domestic customer.
  • You can get a further £35 for each additional 12 hours of being without power, up to a total of £300.

If you are without power more than four times in a year, for at least three hours each time, you can claim an extra:

  • £75 as a domestic customer
  • £75 as a 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.

You can claim:

  • £70 as a domestic customer
  • £70 as a non-domestic customer
  • if the power was off for 24 hours (Storm Category 1) or 48 hours (Storm Category 2). Ofgem checks and verifies storm categories.

You can get a further £70 for each additional 12 hours of being without power, up to a total of £700.

How to claim compensation for a power cut

You need to make compensation claims for supply issues to you network operator within:

  • three months for unplanned power cuts
  • one month for planned power cuts
  • Make a claim through your local network operator. You can find their details by entering your postcode on our homepage

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.