What to do in a power cut

What to do in a power cut

Whilst power cuts don't happen often in the UK - and when they do happen, they're usually resolved quickly - it's good to know what steps to take if and when one hits.

So after you've dug out your torch (don't have one in the house? See what you need to get prepped for future power cuts) there are a few other useful steps to take when the power goes out...

Had a power cut? You may be entitled to compensation

If the power cut was due to 'severe weather' you could get up to £2,165 (but most get much less)

If your power cut was caused by 'severe weather' you could get up to £2,165 in compensation, depending on how long the power was out for.

When it comes to compensation, there are two categories of storms, determined by the impact it has on the electricity network, such as damage to pylons and overhead cables. The amount of compensation you get is the same for both, the only difference is that for more severe storms, the power has to be out for longer before you're due any compensation.

For a category 1 storm, you get £85 if the power was off for 24 hours, while for a category 2 storm it's 48 hours. You then get an extra £45 for every 6 hours it's off after that. The maximum amount you can claim is £2,165. Your electricity network operator can tell you what category a storm was.

If you've had a bad storm and your home has been affected, see our guide on What to do if your home's been flooded or damaged in a storm.

If the power cut happened in normal weather, you could get up to £390 in compensation

If the power cut happened in normal weather, you could get up to £390 in compensation, again depending on how long the power was out for.

If it's a widespread outage, where more than 5,000 premises are affected, you'll get £95 if the power's out for more than 24 hours, then an extra £45 for every 12 hour after that. For smaller faults, affecting fewer than 5,000 premises, you get the same amount of compensation, but the power only has to be out for 12 hours before you get the first £95.

What's more, if you're home is cut off more than four times in a year (from 1 April to 31 March), for at least three hours each time, you can claim an extra £95.

You could also get compensation for planned power cuts

Your electricity network operator must give you two days’ notice if they plan to cut off your supply for maintenance or repairs. They’ll usually send you a letter. If they don't give you two days’ notice or they cut you off on a different day from the date you were told, you'll be entitled to £40 compensation.

Gas supply cut off? You could get up to £70 a day in compensation

You should report an unexpected gas outage - especially if you smell gas - by calling the National Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999. If you do smell gas, make sure you open windows immediately.

Your network operator must give at least seven days' notice of planned gas works. If your gas supply goes off because of planned works, but your network operator didn't give at least seven days notice, you can claim £50 compensation.

For unplanned interruptions to your gas supply, you're entitled to at least £70 for every 24 hours you're without gas. Those households on the Priority Services Register should get additional help, such as alternative heating.

If you're without gas for more than 24 hours, you're entitled to more compensation. The amount depends on how long you're without your gas supply.

You won’t be entitled to compensation if one of the following applies:

• More than 30,000 homes were affected.

• You caused the gas supply to be cut off.

• Your gas network operator took reasonable steps to prevent a power cut during bad weather.

You should be paid power cut compensation automatically - if not, make a claim

If you're due compensation from a power cut, your electricity network operator or your gas network operator should contact you to arrange payment, without you needing to make a claim.

You should automatically be paid by bank transfer or cheque, or in some cases as bill credit through your energy supplier.

For power cuts not in normal weather (and gas outages), you should be paid within ten working days. Where the power cut was due to severe weather, you should get it within four weeks. If you're not paid the correct compensation within the expected timeframe, you should get an extra £40.

If you don't receive your compensation automatically, make a claim

If you don't get it automatically, make sure you claim what you're owed. You have up to three months to claim for unplanned supply cuts (there's no time limit if you're on the Priority Services Register), or one month if it was planned.

You'll need to claim directly with your electricity or gas network company. You can check who your electricity network operator or gas network operator is online.

How to prepare for a power cut

While power cuts are rare in the UK, it is a good idea to be prepared just in case - you never know when they'll hit. We've a few quick tips to help you stay ready...

• Keep a torch and spare batteries somewhere easy to reach and make sure everyone in your home knows where they are, in case the power goes out when it’s dark. If you have a smartphone, you can use its torch, but it'll drain your phone's battery faster. Avoid using candles or similar, as these can be a fire risk.

• Make sure you have a battery backup for any essential medical equipment, such as stairlifts, bath hoists and adjustable beds, as these typically need electricity to work. If you have a stairlift, check it has a manual release handle - this will return the lift to the ground floor safely, without needing power.
  
  If you're concerned what will happen to your medical equipment during a power cut, speak to your healthcare provider or the equipment manufacturer.

• If you keep medication in the fridge consider getting a mini-fridge just for your medication. The longer you keep a fridge or freezer door closed during a power cut, the longer it will stay cold.