Why answer 'yes you can' if you admit you don't actually know. Pointless!
OFGEM (the regulator) sets the distribution companies Service Standards.
Some of these are called Guaranteed Service Standards and if a company fails that, then there is a schedule of compensation paid. Whether the company who operates the distribution in your area has failed one of these standards will depend on the company (they vary a bit I think).
Here is EDF's information on this subject to give you an idea.
http://www.edfenergy....ards-of-service.shtml