20 Tips to Manage Energy Bills During Power Cuts in the UK

A power cut can be very annoying. It can also make people feel confused about energy bills, standing charges, and compensation. A lot of people have questions about these topics.

1. Does a power cut make electricity bills lower?
2. How do smart meters work during power outages?
3. Can I get money back for a power cut?

These tips will help you avoid overpaying, missing out on compensation, or facing surprise costs.

1. Check If a Power Cut Affects Your Energy Bill

A power cut does not mean you will pay less. Even if your power is off for a few hours, you still have to pay for standing charges. These charges go to keeping the electricity network running.

Tip: Look at your recent energy bill. Check if any standing charges will apply during a planned power cut or an unplanned outage.

2. Understand How Smart Meters Handle Power Outages

When there is a power cut, your smart meter might stop sending readings to your energy supplier. This can lead to estimated usage. Sometimes, these estimates may be higher than what you really used.

Tip: If your smart meter does not update after the power comes back, call your energy supplier. Ask them for a manual reading.

3. Verify Standing Charges During Power Cuts

Even if you do not use electricity during a power cut, you will still have to pay standing charges. These charges help cover the costs of keeping power lines, transformers, and substations up and running.

Tip: If you think your standing charge is wrong, reach out to your energy supplier. Ask them to explain it.

4. Report Smart Meter Issues After a Power Cut

If your smart meter does not reconnect the right way, your energy supplier might guess how much energy you used during the time it was offline.

Tip: Always look at your smart meter display after a power cut. If it is blank or shows an error, call your energy supplier.

5. Check If Your Direct Debit Payments Are Affected

If you use direct debit, power cuts will not change your monthly payment. But, if your smart meter gives wrong estimates, it could lead to higher charges.

Tip: If you see more direct debit charges than normal, ask for a billing review.

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6. Claim Compensation for Long Power Cuts

Under Ofgem’s guaranteed standards, you might get power cut compensation if you have a power outage that lasts a long time.

Compensation Rates:

7. Who Pays Compensation for Power Cuts?

Your energy supplier does not give compensation. This is taken care of by your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO).

Tip: You can find your DNO’s contact details. Just enter your postcode on the Energy Networks Association website.

8. Register for the Priority Services Register

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a no-cost service for people who:

• Use medical equipment that requires electricity.
• Are elderly, disabled, or have additional needs.
• Need extra support during emergencies.

Tip: Reach out to your energy supplier or local network operator to enroll in the PSR.

9. Monitor Energy Usage After Power Restoration

When the power comes back, some devices need more electricity to turn on correctly.

Tip: Stagger the restart of large appliances like heating, fridge, and Wi-Fi. This helps to avoid sudden high energy usage.

10. Switch Off Appliances Before Power Returns

Power surges can harm electrical devices. They can also make energy use go up without warning.

Tip: Turn off high-energy appliances like heaters and ovens before the power comes back.

11. Request an Energy Bill Adjustment for Overestimated Usage

If your smart meter did not work during the outage, your energy supplier might guess your usage wrong.

Tip: Get in touch with your energy supplier. Ask them for a manual meter reading.

12. How Power Cuts Affect Prepayment Meters

Prepayment meters can stop working during power cuts. This stops people from adding money to them.

Tip: If your prepayment meter stops working after a power cut, you should reach out to your supplier. Ask them for a reset code.

13. Energy Tariffs & Power Cuts: What You Need to Know

Power cuts do not lower your energy bill. However, they can change the pricing based on demand for customers with variable rates.

Tip: If you are in the demand flexibility service, see how outages change your savings and rewards.

14. Reduce Energy Bills After a Power Cut

Some homes use more electricity after a power cut. This is because they are restarting appliances.

📌 Turn off appliances you do not need. Slowly turn back on appliances to help keep costs down.

15. Reset Your Gas Boiler After a Power Cut

Many gas boilers need electricity to work. This means they will stop functioning during a power cut.

Tip: Look at your boiler manual for how to reset it after a power outage.

16. Ensure You Receive Compensation

1. Some network operators will pay you automatically.
2. Others will need you to file a claim.

Tip: If you do not get your compensation within 10 working days, take your case to the Energy Ombudsman.

17. Monitor Energy Use in Rural Areas

Homes in rural areas often have longer power outages. This is usually because of repairs to overhead power lines.

Tip: If you have short power cuts often, talk to your supplier about different tariffs.

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18. Sign Up for Power Cut Alerts

1. Network operators will let you know ahead of time about planned power cuts.

Tip: Please sign up for email or text alerts on your local network operator’s website.

19. Dispute Overcharges on Your Energy Bill

If a power cut leads to mistakes in your bill, you can ask your energy supplier to fix it.

Tip: Use online chat or helpline numbers to get help faster.

20. Check If You Qualify for a Refund

Some long outages might be eligible for refunds. They may also come with compensation.

Tip: Reach out to your network operator to find out about refund policies.

Useful Contact Details for Power Cut & Energy Bill Issues

During a power outage or if you have a problem with your energy bill, it’s important to know who to contact. This can help you avoid a lot of wasted time and stress. Here are the main contacts you might need:

📞 For Power Cuts & Electricity Supply Issues

1. National Grid Electricity Distribution – Manages high-voltage transmission problems throughout the UK.
2. Your Local Network Distribution Operator (DNO) – In charge of repairing power lines and outages in your area. Call 105 to report a power cut.

📞 For Gas Supply Problems

1. National Gas Emergency Helpline: 0800 111 999 – Call for help with gas leaks and supply problems.
2. Your Energy Supplier – Contact them if your gas supply is stopped because of billing problems or switching providers.

📞 For Severe Weather & Emergency Updates

1. Met Office Alerts – Visit their website to see storm warnings and severe weather conditions that might affect electricity supply.

📞 For Payments of Compensation and Issues with Energy Bills

1. Energy Ombudsman: Contact them if your energy supplier does not handle a compensation payment correctly.
2. Your Energy Supplier: Talk to them if you have a billing problem after an unplanned power cut.
3. Priority Services Register (PSR): If you use essential medical equipment, reach out to your supplier for extra support.

📞 For Smart Meters & Energy Accounts

1. Your Energy Supplier: Check your energy account if it has wrong charges because of a power cut or a meter reading issue.

Tip: Always look at the front of your bill. It has your supplier’s helpline and customer service contact details.

How to Switch & Reduce Your Energy Bill with Free Price Compare

If you are worried about high energy costs after a power cut, you can lower your bills by switching to a cheaper energy supplier.

1. Why Switching Can Reduce Your Bill

1. Energy prices change depending on the supplier and the charges from network companies.
2. Fixed-rate plans help protect you from sudden tariff increases caused by severe weather conditions.
3. Some suppliers give compensation faster if you face frequent outages.

2. When Is the Best Time to Switch?

It’s a good idea to switch at certain times, like:

• When your fixed-rate contract ends.
• If your supplier raises your fees after an unplanned power cut.
• If your current supplier does not have good service standards for dealing with outages.

3. How Free Price Compare Helps You Find the Best Deal

With Free Price Compare, you can:

1. You can compare energy tariffs from several suppliers in just a few seconds.
2. Check the rules about payment for power cuts before you switch.
3. Find the best deals for your energy use and network fees.

You can see your current tariff details on the front of your bill before you switch.