You can claim up to £2,000 in compensation from the Guaranteed Standards of Performance scheme for power cuts
The National Grid have a launched a compensation scheme for those affected by power outages during recent storms(Image credit: Getty Images)
If you were one of the 1.5 million people affected by power cuts during the recent storms, you may be entitled to compensation under the Guaranteed Standards of Performance (GSoPs) set by Ofgem.
These standards ensure that electricity providers must compensate customers if power is not restored within the specified timeframes after an outage, particularly during severe weather events.
With the added pressure of energy price rises, this compensation can provide some financial relief to those affected by power cuts. This guide explains how to check for power cuts in your area and how to claim compensation if you qualify.
How many homes have been left without power?
According to the National Grid, 1,549,408 homes were left without power due to Storm Darragh, with 48,384 homes and businesses still left without electricity across South Wales, South West, East, and West Midlands.
Emma Pamplin, Director of Customer Excellence, described Storm Darragh as "the biggest storm our region has faced in decades." She assured that teams, including engineers and support staff, have been working tirelessly to restore power across the affected areas.
Despite these efforts, the storm has caused an unusually high volume of calls to the contact center, leading to delays. Pamplin explained: "We continue to see extremely high volumes of calls to our contact centre, and I'm afraid it is taking a little longer for customers to get through. In addition to the contact centre, customers can reach us via social media and our website."
What are the Guaranteed Standards of Performance?
The GSoPs set out timeframes for power restoration after an outage:
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Normal conditions: Power must be restored within 12 hours.
Severe weather (Category 1 storms): Restoration within 24 hours for up to 4,000 affected customers or within 48 hours for larger outages (Category 2 storms).
If electricity providers fail to meet these targets, they are required to compensate eligible customers. Payments start at £95 for outages exceeding the specified timeframes and increase by £40 for every additional 6 hours.
Who qualifies for compensation due to power cuts?
If your electricity supply has been interrupted due to severe weather, you may be entitled to compensation under the GSoPs.
These standards outline the specific conditions and payment structures based on how long your power was out and the severity of the weather event.
You are eligible for compensation if:
Your electricity supply was disrupted for more than the specified timeframe.
The disruption occurred during a severe weather event, classified as either a Category 1 or Category 2 storm.
The storm caused a high volume of high-voltage (HV) faults in a 24-hour period, as determined by the electricity network provider.
How severe weather is defined
Over 1.5 million homes could be set to receive compensation due to power outages(Image credit: Getty Images)
Severe weather is categorised based on the number of HV faults reported on the network, not specific weather conditions like wind speed or rainfall.
The classification considers the number of faults in 24 hours during a storm across the network's four regions.
Category 1 Storms are defined as:
Lightning events: If lightning causes at least 8 times the normal number of HV faults in 24 hours, supplies must be restored within 24 hours. Failure to meet this standard results in a customer compensation payment.
Non-lightning events: If HV faults occur between 8 and 13 times the normal amount, the restoration timeframe is still 24 hours, with compensation due for longer delays.
Compensation for a Category 1 Storm would be £85 for power cuts lasting more than 24 hours and £40 for each additional 6-hour period after the first 24 hours.
A Category 2 Storm is when HV faults exceed 13 times the normal number in 24 hours, the electricity provider has 48 hours to restore power.
Compensation for these would be £85 for power cuts exceeding 48 hours and £40 for each 6-hour period thereafter. However, all payments are capped at £2,000.
How to check for power cuts in your area
Power cuts, while uncommon in Great Britain due to the resilience of the electricity system, can still occur for various reasons, particularly during severe weather events.
If you experience an unexpected power cut, there are steps you can take to check and report the issue.
The National Grid advises you to call 105, which will connect you to your local electricity distribution network operator (DNO). They are responsible for managing the power lines and infrastructure in your area and can provide information on the status of the outage.
Alternatively, you can use the Power Cut Checker. This tool allows you to check the status of power cuts in your area through a live map by entering your postcode.
News Editor Joseph has previously written for Today’s Media and Chambers & Partners, focusing on news for conveyancers and industry professionals. Joseph has just started his own self build project, building his own home on his family’s farm with planning permission for a timber frame, three-bedroom house in a one-acre field. The foundation work has already begun and he hopes to have the home built in the next year. Prior to this he renovated his family's home as well as doing several DIY projects, including installing a shower, building sheds, and livestock fences and shelters for the farm’s animals. Outside of homebuilding, Joseph loves rugby and has written for Rugby World, the world’s largest rugby magazine.
