Despite Britain’s energy system creaking under the strain, it’s actually extremely reliable. If you ignore freak weather events, it’s rare to experience a power cut for no good reason and brownouts are now a thing of the past.
But factor in the weather and it becomes a completely different story.
So what are your rights if you suffer a power cut due to severe weather? Are you entitled to compensation?
Changes to energy rules for storms
After rule changes that came into force on the 1st September 2023, you’re now entitled to compensation if you suffer a power cut caused by weather.
The rule changes include all power distributors, Electricity North West, Northern Powergrid, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, Scottish Power Energy Network, UK Power Networks and Western Power Distribution.
Those rule changes were a response to storm Arwen back in 2021 that saw some areas of the UK without power for more than 3 days.
Around 40,000 people in northern England and Scotland had no power for over 72 hours, which prompted rule changes for the network operators.
Your rights if you suffer a power cut due to weather
If power is out for 24 hours or more, you’ll be entitled to an £80 payment followed by £40 for every 6 hours you’re without power after that.
This payment depends on the severity of the weather.
If you’ve been without power for 24 hours for a category one storm or for at least 48 hours in a category two storm, you’ll be entitled to compensation.
The maximum you’ll be able to claim has been increased from £700 to £2,000.
Payments can be made by bank transfer as well as cheque, where before it was cheque only.
Compensation should be applied automatically and you should be contacted by the energy distributor to ask how you want to be paid.
You should not have to apply for compensation. Everything should be done for you.
If you’re not contacted and think you should be, contact your network operator direct through their website.
If they don’t want to pay or try to avoid paying, contact Citizens Advice or the Energy Ombudsman.
