Are you frustrated with unexpected power outages? Don’t just sit in the dark – you might be entitled to compensation! This guide will walk you through the process of getting compensated for power cuts, whether they’re caused by bad weather or routine maintenance.
When Can You Get Compensation for Power Cuts?
Let’s face it, power outages are never fun. But did you know you might be entitled to financial compensation for disruptions to your electricity or gas supply? The good news is that your gas or electricity network operator, the company responsible for maintaining your power lines and gas pipes, is typically liable for compensating you for power outages. They’re not the same as your energy supplier, so don’t confuse them! You can find out who your network operator is by checking the Energy Networks Association website.
Important: If your power outage is caused by a faulty energy meter, your energy supplier is the one you need to contact. They may offer compensation for a malfunctioning meter.
It’s not always a guarantee. You won’t receive compensation if the outage was caused by an unavoidable emergency, such as a nationwide power shortage.
Electricity Power Cuts: Know Your Rights
Unplanned Power Cuts
When your lights go out without warning, it’s natural to be annoyed. Your electricity network operator should reach out to you and provide compensation automatically, so you shouldn’t need to file a claim.
Compensation depends on the duration and cause of the outage. If it was caused by bad weather, you’ll receive £85 if the power is out for 24 hours or £85 for 48 hours if a severe storm caused the outage. You’ll also receive an additional £40 for every 6 hours the power is out, up to a maximum of £2,000.
If the outage wasn’t caused by bad weather, the compensation amount depends on the number of homes affected. If fewer than 5,000 homes were affected, you’ll get £95 for a 12-hour outage and an additional £40 for every 12 hours after that. If more than 5,000 homes were affected, you’ll get £95 for an outage exceeding 24 hours and an additional £40 for every 12 hours after that, up to a maximum of £360.
Good to know: You’ll receive an extra £95 if your power goes out more than 4 times in a financial year for more than 3 hours each time.
Compensation for Planned Power Cuts
You are entitled to compensation if your electricity is cut off without proper notice. Your electricity network operator must give you at least 2 days’ notice before cutting off your power for planned maintenance work. They’ll usually send you a letter. If they fail to provide this notice, you’ll receive £35 in compensation.
Claiming Your Compensation
If the outage was caused by bad weather, your electricity network operator should pay you within 4 weeks. If you haven’t received your compensation after 4 weeks, contact them to make a claim.
If the outage wasn’t caused by bad weather, you should receive your compensation within 10 working days. If you haven’t been paid within 10 working days, contact your electricity network operator to make a claim. You’ll also receive an extra £35 compensation for the delay.
Claim deadlines:
- Unplanned outages: You have 3 months to claim, unless you’re on the Priority Services Register, in which case there is no time limit.
- Planned outages: You have 1 month to claim if your electricity network operator didn’t provide you with the required 2 days’ notice.
Gas Power Cuts: Compensation Explained
Planned Gas Cuts
Your gas network operator must give you at least 7 working days’ notice if they plan to cut off your gas supply for maintenance work. If they fail to provide this notice, you’ll receive £40 in compensation.
Unplanned Gas Cuts
If you experience an unplanned gas cut for more than 24 hours, you may be entitled to compensation. You’ll receive £60 after the first 24 hours and another £60 for each additional 24-hour period.
Compensation Limits:
You won’t receive compensation if:
- More than 30,000 homes were affected by the gas cut.
- You caused the gas supply to be cut off.
- Your gas network operator took reasonable steps to prevent a power cut during bad weather.
Important: You can contact your gas network operator to find out how many homes were affected and if they took reasonable steps to prevent a power cut. You can find your local gas network operator on the Energy Networks Association website.
Claiming Your Compensation
Your gas network operator should pay you automatically within 10 working days. They may pay you directly or through your energy supplier. If you don’t receive your compensation within 10 working days, you’ll receive an extra £40 compensation.
If you don’t receive your compensation, contact your gas network operator. You can find their contact information on the Energy Networks Association website.
Priority Services Register: Additional Support
If you’re on your energy supplier’s Priority Services Register, you’re entitled to additional support during power outages. This might include alternative cooking and heating facilities. You can check your eligibility for the Priority Services Register through your energy supplier.
Disputes and Complaints
If you disagree with your network operator’s decision regarding your compensation, you can submit a complaint directly through their website. If you’re not satisfied with their response, you can contact the energy ombudsman. They’re responsible for resolving disputes with network operators. You can find instructions on how to file a complaint with the energy ombudsman online.
Stay informed, know your rights, and don’t let power cuts leave you in the dark!
