Power cut compensation UK: how much and how to claim
If your electricity is off, you may be entitled to compensation from your local network operator under guaranteed standards. This guide explains typical amounts, eligibility, how to claim, and what to do if your supplier or network says no.
- Answer-first: what you can claim and when
- Step-by-step claim process (with what to screenshot)
- Common exclusions: storms, planned works, and “exceptional events”
Compensation rules depend on where you live and what caused the fault. Always check your outage reference and the Network Operator’s updates.
Fast answer: power cut compensation UK — how much and how to claim
Power cut compensation UK how much and how to claim: in many cases you can claim around £30+ from your local electricity network operator if your supply is interrupted beyond set time limits under Ofgem’s guaranteed standards. You usually claim by giving your address, outage time, and (if you have it) the incident reference via the network operator’s website or phone.
Key takeaway 1
Your supplier sells you energy, but your network operator (DNO) is normally the one responsible for local power lines and most compensation.
Key takeaway 2
Eligibility depends on cause (fault vs severe weather), duration, and whether it was planned. Keep timestamps and any outage reference.
Key takeaway 3
If you’re turned down, you can ask for the reason in writing and follow the operator’s complaints route. Citizens Advice can help if you’re stuck.
Who pays compensation for a power cut in the UK?
Most power cut compensation is paid by the electricity distribution network operator (DNO) — the company that owns and maintains the cables and substations in your area. This is different from your energy supplier (the company you pay for electricity and gas).
Compensation is typically linked to Ofgem’s Guaranteed Standards of Performance, which set minimum service levels. If the standard isn’t met (for example, supply isn’t restored within a set time), you may be able to claim a fixed amount.
What to do during a power cut (quick safety checklist)
- Check if it’s just your home: look at your consumer unit and ask neighbours (if safe).
- Report/track the outage via your DNO (or 105 in Great Britain).
- Note the time the power went off and when it returned (use phone screenshots).
- If you rely on medical equipment, contact your DNO and ask about additional support (some areas have priority services registers).
In Great Britain, you can call 105 for free to reach your local electricity network operator. (Northern Ireland has different arrangements.)
What counts as an “eligible interruption”?
Usually eligible: unexpected faults on the local electricity network where restoration took longer than the relevant guaranteed standard for the situation.
Often excluded or treated differently: planned outages (with notice), severe weather/exceptional events, and issues inside your home (wiring, consumer unit, appliances).
Gas supply interruptions: can fall under different rules and organisations. This page focuses on electricity power cuts.
How to claim power cut compensation (step by step)
This process is designed to be practical. You do not need to be an energy expert — you just need the right details, and to make the request to the right organisation.
- Identify your network operator (DNO). Use powercut105.com or call 105 (GB).
- Collect the essentials. Home address, postcode, date/time the power went off and came back, and any outage/incident reference number (if provided).
- Check if it was planned or exceptional. If you received advance notice, it may be a planned interruption. If there was major severe weather, the DNO may assess it under different standards.
- Make the claim to the DNO. Many operators have an online form; phone is usually available too. Ask for confirmation of your claim reference.
- Keep evidence. Save screenshots of outage updates, photos (if relevant and safe), and messages from the operator. Note the time you submitted your claim.
- If you’re refused, ask why and escalate. Request the decision reason in writing and use the operator’s complaints process. If unresolved, get help from Citizens Advice.
What to say when you call
“I’d like to make a guaranteed standards compensation claim for a power cut at [address]. The supply went off at [time/date] and returned at [time/date]. The incident reference (if any) is [ref]. Please confirm the standard you’re applying and the claim reference.”
If your supplier tells you to contact the network
That’s common. Your supplier may help you find the right contact, but the DNO generally owns the fault and any guaranteed standards payment for interruptions on the distribution network.
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Compensation types: what you might be entitled to
Different guaranteed standards cover different situations. The table below helps you work out which route is most relevant, before you contact the right organisation.
| Situation | Who to contact | How payment is usually set | What you’ll need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unplanned local power cut (fault on the distribution network) | Electricity network operator (DNO) | Fixed amount under guaranteed standards; may increase with duration and/or number of customers affected | Address, outage times, incident reference (if any) |
| Planned interruption (works with notice) | Usually the DNO | May be payable if notice requirements weren’t met; otherwise often not | Any notice letters/emails/texts, dates/times, address |
| Supply issue inside your property (wiring/consumer unit) | Qualified electrician or landlord (if renting) | Not covered by DNO guaranteed standards; costs depend on repair | Any fault codes, photos (safe), tenancy/landlord details |
| Billing/credit issues after an outage (e.g. supplier service complaint) | Your energy supplier (then complaints route / ombudsman where relevant) | Handled via supplier complaint standards, not DNO interruption payments | Account number, complaint timeline, copies of communications |
Quick decision checklist
This claim route likely suits you if…
- Your electricity went off unexpectedly (not planned works you agreed to).
- You can give a clear start time and restoration time (even approximate).
- The issue affected your area (not just your property’s wiring).
It may not (or may be different) if…
- It was a widespread severe storm and the operator has classed it as an exceptional event.
- You had advance notice and it was a planned interruption with proper notice.
- Only your home is affected (trips/consumer unit problems).
Exclusions, limits and common pitfalls (so your claim isn’t rejected)
Most rejected claims fail for a few predictable reasons. Use these checks before you submit.
1) It was planned (or you were notified)
If there was a letter/text/email with adequate notice, you may not qualify for interruption compensation. If you didn’t receive notice, keep proof of address/occupancy and ask the operator what notice was issued.
2) “Exceptional events” and severe weather
During major storms or widespread damage, different standards and exceptions can apply. Ask whether your incident was classed as an exceptional event, and request the criteria used for that decision.
3) Wrong organisation
A supplier can’t restore local lines, and a DNO can’t fix a faulty consumer unit. If neighbours had power, consider an internal fault. If your street was out, the DNO is likely the right place.
4) Missing timestamps
Claims often rely on the start and end of the interruption. If you were out, use the best evidence you have: smart device logs, alarm reset time, or a neighbour’s message.
5) Assuming food spoilage is covered
Guaranteed standards compensation is usually a fixed amount for service failure, not a reimbursement for every loss. If you have home insurance, check your policy for freezer contents cover.
6) Not escalating
If you think the decision is wrong, ask for the refusal reason and the next step. Keep it factual: dates, times, references, and what standard you believe applies.
Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)
Scenario A: local fault, restored later the same day
Assumptions: unplanned outage, not classed as exceptional; you’re in Great Britain; the interruption exceeded the relevant time threshold for your incident type.
Estimated outcome: you may be eligible for a fixed compensation payment (often around £30+). If the outage ran much longer, some standards increase the payment in steps.
This is an example to show how the system works, not a promise of payment.
Scenario B: multi-day storm outage, operator cites exceptional event
Assumptions: widespread storm damage; many customers affected; the operator applies exceptional event rules.
Estimated outcome: you might still receive compensation, but the thresholds and rules can differ. If refused, ask for the written reason and the event classification, then consider escalating through the complaints process.
In severe weather, restoration times can be longer and rules more complex.
FAQs
How much compensation do you get for a power cut in the UK?
It depends on the type and length of the interruption and whether exceptions apply, but many guaranteed standards start at roughly £30+ for eligible interruptions and can increase if the outage lasts longer. Your local network operator can confirm the exact amount for your incident.
Do I claim power cut compensation from my energy supplier or the network operator?
Usually from your electricity network operator (DNO), because they manage the local cables and restore supply. Your supplier may point you to the right operator, but the guaranteed standards payment for an interruption is typically handled by the DNO.
How do I find my local electricity network operator?
In Great Britain you can call 105 for free, or use powercut105.com to identify the operator for your postcode. Your electricity bill may also name your network operator.
Can I get compensation if the power cut was caused by a storm?
Sometimes, but severe weather can trigger different rules and exceptions (often described as “exceptional events”). You can still submit a claim, but if the operator refuses, ask for the decision reason in writing and whether the incident was classed as an exceptional event.
Does a planned power cut qualify for compensation?
Often not, if you were given the required notice. However, if notice wasn’t provided properly or standards weren’t met, compensation may be possible. Keep any letters/texts/emails and ask the network operator what notice was issued for your address.
I’m a tenant — can I claim power cut compensation?
Usually yes, because the claim is linked to the supply interruption at the property. You may need to show proof of address/occupancy. If the fault is within the property (for example, the consumer unit), that’s generally a repair issue for the landlord/electrician rather than a network compensation claim.
What should I do if my compensation claim is rejected?
Ask for the rejection reason in writing, including which standard or exception was applied, and follow the operator’s complaints process. If you still can’t resolve it, you can get free help from Citizens Advice (energy supply problems guidance).
Will switching energy supplier affect power cut compensation?
Switching supplier won’t change your local network operator (DNO), so it doesn’t usually change who restores faults or pays interruption compensation. The DNO is tied to your area, not your supplier.
Trust, methodology and sources
Page accountability
- Written by
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Energy Specialist
- Last updated
- August 2026
How we assessed this (transparent methodology)
- We reviewed Ofgem guidance on guaranteed standards and how electricity distribution interruptions are handled.
- We cross-checked practical consumer steps with Citizens Advice guidance (who to contact, escalation routes).
- We used “around £30+” as an illustrative starting point because operators and incident types vary; we avoid presenting a single number as universal.
- We focused on electricity distribution power cuts (not microgeneration disputes, business supply, or gas emergencies).
Limitations: the exact time thresholds, payment amounts, and exceptions can vary by operator, event classification, and your circumstances. Always confirm with your DNO for your incident.
Sources (UK)
- Ofgem (regulator — guaranteed standards and consumer protections)
- Citizens Advice: Energy (consumer help and escalation guidance)
- GOV.UK (general consumer and public guidance)
- Powercut105 (find and contact your electricity network operator)
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