Compensation for Power Cuts

[echokilo]

Our power was off for 8 hours yesterday ..... can we claim compensation, what are the rules and how do we do it? TIA

[stonekicker]

pass - ring consumer direct as they deal with power disputes and stuff. good luck x

[stonekicker]

sorry - number is 08454 04 05 06

[smart1]

yes you can - Energy ombudsman maybe? I don't know!

[buildersmate]

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

[echokilo]

Thanks everyone - going to your suggested website now buildersmate Thanx

[B00]

Seriously, 8 hours? And you want compensation? Why is everyone compo mad?

I'm currenlty having the road dug up outside my house, and I my gas was cut off for 3 days the other week. Claiming compensation never entered my head.

[redcrx]

if you can prove loss, ie if you are a company that relies on power, then you may have such a thing covered in your insurance.

[Mr Veritas]

We were cut off for 15 hours two weeks ago.
EDF staff informed me that it had to be off for over 18 hours to qualify for any compensation.

[buildersmate]

It is true that EDF operate this 18 hour threshold for domestic consumers. But I'm not sure whether this threshold is identical for all the distribution companies - you will have to check.
You haven't told us which distribution company operates in your area (note: this is NOT [necessarily] the same company as your electricity supplier)

[echokilo]

Thanks for your help everyone