Power Cut Compensation

In Great Britain, your network operator must pay compensation if a power cut lasts too long. These are the Guaranteed Standards of Performance set by Ofgem. The figures below were checked in October 2026 and are updated each year – confirm the current amounts with your operator or on ofgem.gov.uk.

Normal weather

• If your power is off for 12 hours (24 hours if the cut affects 5,000 or more premises), a household is entitled to £100.
• Plus £45 for each further 12 hours, up to a maximum of £400.

Severe weather

• In a Category 1 storm, £90 after 24 hours; in a Category 2 storm, £90 after 48 hours.
• Then £45 for each further 6 hours, up to a maximum of £2,235.

How to claim

Payments should be made automatically, usually within about 10 working days. If you do not hear from your network operator, contact them (call 105) and quote the date of the power cut. If you are still unhappy, Citizens Advice (0808 223 1133) and the Energy Ombudsman can help.

Northern Ireland

These rules apply in Great Britain. In Northern Ireland, contact NIE Networks on 03457 643 643 or the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland about compensation.

Figures: Ofgem guaranteed standards as published by network operators for 2026–27. This is general information, not legal advice.