Lost the use of gas or electricity at home? Then take a look at this guide about how to claim power cut compensation.
Claiming compensation for a power cut
I’m sure it’s happened to you too. You’re just about to reach the exciting part of Songs of Praise, then suddenly, wham. TV off, lights out and you’re left in the dark. You’ll never know what song they were about to belt out next.
The first thing to do is to get advice by dialling 105 and reporting your power cut.
And, if your power isn’t restored soon, you may be able to receive some money for your troubles.
How long does the electricity have to be off to claim compensation?
Claiming compensation for a power outage depends on two main factors:
- Whether it was a planned power cut
- How long the power was out for
Planned power cuts
If the power cut was planned, but you weren’t given 2 days’ notice, you can claim £30 compensation. However, you must do this within one month.
Unplanned electricity cuts
£75 if the power supply is out for longer than 12 hours
£35 for each following 12 hour period (capped at £300 if more than 5000 home are affected).
If the cut is caused by bad weather
£70 if the electricity supply is out for 24 hours (48 hours for a severe storm)
£70 for each following 12 hour period (capped at £700)
Multiple power cuts
If you suffer from more than four power cuts in a year which last for more than 3 hours each, you can claim £75. The year runs from 1st April – 31st March.
Gas outage
The company responsible for connecting the gas pipes to your home must notify you if they plan to cut off your gas supply. If they don’t, they need to compensate you with £30. You have one month to claim.
You will be entitled to compensation if your gas is cut off for longer than 24 hours. The amount you receive will depend on the length of time you lost your supply.
Claiming for a power cut
If your power cut was caused by bad weather, customers should receive compensation without having to do anything.
If the cut was due to something else, they need to make a claim through the company that manages the gas or electricity distribution. Please note that this is not a supplier.
To find yours, follow the links below to the Energy Networks Association website.
Find your local electricity distributor.
Find your local gas transporter.
Remember, if you’re claiming for a planned outage, you only have one month to put your claim in. For any other claims, you’ll have three months.
Receiving the money for your power outage
You should be paid within ten days of making your claim. If the power outage was caused by bad weather, then the time limit doesn’t apply and you will be paid as soon as is reasonable. I have no idea what counts as reasonable though…
Usually, your money will be sent to your gas or electricity company and credited to your account. However, in some cases, you may be paid directly if the gas transport or electricity distributor hold your details.
If you have a prepayment meter, you may be paid in various ways. Some suppliers will credit your meter, whilst others may send you a cheque or voucher.
Can I claim for losses?
Unfortunately, you cannot claim if you lose any food because your fridge or freezer has stopped working. Contact your home insurance company to see if you’re covered.
Not happy?
Who is?
If you’re struggling to claim compensation for a power cut and you’ve been told that you aren’t eligible, complain directly to the electricity distributor or gas transporter and follow their complaints procedure. If you get nowhere, then you can contact the energy ombudsman.