Had a power cut? They may owe you money.
By law, the company that runs your power lines pays you when the power is off too long. It doesn't always arrive on its own.
- £100 for a home after 12 hours off
- Up to £2,235 in the worst storms
- 3 months to claim before it's gone
6 questions. Free, no email, about a minute.
If someone relies on medical equipment
If someone's life is at risk, call 999. If the power is off now, call 105 straight away.
What to do now
How we worked this out
| If it was | The rule | You'd get |
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The clock starts when your network operator first knew your power was off, so its times may differ from yours. Some exceptions apply, for example if the fault was on another company's network or the operator couldn't get access. Amounts come from Ofgem's Guaranteed Standards of Performance tables.
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Free steps first, then backup power if you want it.
Free
- Save 105 in your phone. It's free and reaches your network operator anywhere in England, Scotland and Wales.
- Join the Priority Services Register if you need extra help. Ask your energy supplier or network operator. It's free.
- Keep the fridge and freezer shut during a power cut so food stays cold for longer.
- Keep a torch where you can find it. Torches are safer than candles.
Cheap
- Keep a power bank charged so your phone lasts through a long power cut.
Backup power
A portable power station is a large rechargeable battery. It can run lights, phone chargers, a Wi-Fi router or a fridge for a while. Most cost hundreds of pounds, so they're only worth it if long power cuts happen often where you live.
Safety: don't rely on one for medical equipment. Call 105 and join the Priority Services Register instead. Never connect one to your home's wiring.
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