How to Claim Compensation for Energy Power Cuts in the UK

Power cuts can be really annoying. If they go on for a long time, you could get some money back. The industry regulator, Ofgem, has rules for electricity and gas companies. These rules help make sure that people get fair payments when there is an unplanned power cut or a problem with energy supply.

What to Do During a Power Cut

Check Your Home First

Before you think the problem is with the electricity network, please check these things:

• Fuse Box: A blown fuse or bad wiring might be the problem.
• Neighbouring Properties: If nearby houses also have no power, it may be a power outage from the electricity distribution companies.
• Landline Phones and Wi-Fi: If your landline phone isn’t working, there could be a network-wide issue.

If your energy supply stops because of a faulty energy meter, you should contact your energy supplier right away.

Who to Contact for a Power Cut?

Your energy supplier sends you a bill for the electricity you use. The electricity distribution companies and gas network operators handle the delivery of power.

📞 For electricity power cuts, call 105 (a free emergency helpline).

📞 For gas supply issues, call the National Gas Emergency Service at 0800 111 999.

Helpline Numbers for UK Distribution Network Operators (DNOs)

To find your local network operator, visit the Energy Networks Association website.

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Can You Claim Compensation for a Power Cut?

Eligibility for Compensation Payments

You may be entitled to compensation for a power outage if:

✔️ The outage was not planned, and you were not given prior notice.

✔️ The amount of time without power exceeds the minimum threshold set by Ofgem.

✔️ The power cut was caused by a single fault in the electricity network.

You cannot claim compensation if:

❌ The outage was caused by your own home’s wiring or a faulty energy meter.

❌ The power was disconnected due to an unpaid energy bill.

❌ The power cut was caused by a national electricity supply shortage rather than an issue with the distribution network operator.

Compensation for Power Cuts in Normal Weather Conditions

Under Ofgem's guaranteed standards, you can receive compensation if your power is not restored within a certain time.

Fewer than 5,000 Properties Affected

• After 12 hours → £95 for homes and £180 for businesses.
• Each extra 12-hour period → £40 more.
• Maximum amount → £360.

More than 5,000 Properties Affected

• After 24 hours → £95 for homes and £180 for companies.
• Each extra 12-hour period → £40 more.
• Highest amount → £360.

Compensation for Power Cuts in Severe Weather Conditions

Severe weather can impact the time it takes for electricity distribution companies to fix power outages. After this repair time, you can request compensation.

Storm Category 1

• A day without power will cost you £85.
• Every extra 6 hours will add £40.
• The maximum amount you can pay is £2,000.

Storm Category 2

• If you lose power for 48 hours → you can get £85.
• For each extra 6 hours after that → you'll get £40 more.
• The most you can receive → is £2,000.

The Met Office has its own way to classify storms. This method is different from the storm categories created by Ofgem. Ofgem's categories look at issues with the network.

Compensation for Gas Supply Interruptions

If your gas supply stops because of a problem with the network operator:

• If you are told about an outage with less than 7 days’ notice → it will cost £50 for homes and £120 for businesses.
• For a gas outage that lasts 24 hours or more unexpectedly → it will be £70 for homes and £120 for businesses.
• For each extra 24-hour period → you will pay £70 more.

Customers on the Priority Services Register can enjoy higher service standards. This means they have several choices for heating and cooking options.

How to Claim Compensation for a Power Cut?

Electricity Compensation Claims

• Contact your electricity distributor.
• Don't contact your energy supplier.

Find your local distribution network operator on the Energy Networks Association website.

Gas Compensation Claims

Contact your gas network operator. You can find the contact details on the Energy Networks Association website.

When Will You Receive Power Cut Compensation?

• Compensation payments are usually processed automatically within 10 working days.
• If you don’t receive it, contact your network operator.
• If your claim is rejected unfairly, escalate it to the Energy Ombudsman.

Planned Power Cuts – What Are Your Rights?

Your network operator has to let you know at least two days ahead of a planned power cut.

If they fail to do so, you can claim:

• £30 for households.
• £70 for businesses.

Additional Consumer Protections

Recurring Power Cuts

If you have more than four power cuts in a year, and each cut lasts at least three hours, you can get an extra £95.

📅 The year runs from 1st April to 31st March.

Faulty Energy Meters

If a broken energy meter made the power go out, you should call your energy supplier. Don’t reach out to your network operator.

They are required to:

• Solve the problem in 3 hours on a weekday. On a weekend, it will take 4 hours.
• If they do not reply on time, give £30 as compensation.

Home Insurance and Power Surges

• Electricity distribution companies do not care for damage to your appliances caused by power surges.
• Look at your home insurance policy to find out if it covers damage from voltage spikes.

Frequently Asked Questions