Who pays, and why
Ofgem, the energy regulator, sets “guaranteed standards” that local electricity network operators must meet. Your network operator runs the cables in your area. It is not the supplier that sends your bills. If it takes too long to get your power back, it must pay you. Ofgem reviews the amounts every year in line with inflation. The figures here are the 2026 amounts, which apply from April 2026.
To find your network operator, call 105 or use the Energy Networks Association postcode search.
Use the compensation calculator to work out a figure for your cut.
Normal weather
| How many properties are affected | Payment starts after | Home | Business | Then |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fewer than 5,000 | 12 hours | £100 | £195 | £45 for each further 12 hours |
| 5,000 or more | 24 hours | £100 | £195 | £45 for each further 12 hours, up to £400 in total |
Worked examples
These follow the examples Ofgem gives. The exact amount depends on your network operator’s records of when the cut started and ended.
- A local fault, power off for 36 hours. £100 once you pass 12 hours, plus 2 further 12-hour periods at £45 each (£90). Total: £190.
- A large incident (5,000 or more properties), power off for 72 hours. £100 once you pass 24 hours, plus 4 further 12-hour periods at £45 each (£180). Total: £280.
- A large incident, power off for 5 days. The payments would add up to more than £400, but the cap for large incidents is £400.
Severe weather
When a storm causes far more damage than usual, different rules apply. Ofgem sets two storm categories. They are based on the number of faults on the network that day, not on Met Office warnings. A red warning does not automatically mean category 2.
| Category | What it means | Payment starts after | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | At least 8 times the normal number of faults (lightning events count from 8 times), and fewer than 13 times for other weather | 24 hours | £90, then £45 for every further 6 hours |
| Category 2 | At least 13 times the normal number of faults | 48 hours | £90, then £45 for every further 6 hours |
The maximum for both categories is £2,235. The same amounts apply to homes and businesses. The operators’ scheme document says the clock starts from the time the operator became aware of the problem.
Worked examples
- Category 1 storm, power off for 36 hours. £90 at 24 hours, plus 2 further 6-hour periods at £45 each (£90). Total: £180.
- Category 2 storm, power off for 60 hours. £90 at 48 hours, plus 2 further 6-hour periods at £45 each (£90). Total: £180.
Lots of power cuts in one year
You can get an extra £100 if you have had several power cuts of at least 3 hours each in the year from 1 April to 31 March. Ofgem’s page describes this as more than 4 cuts. The operators’ scheme document says four or more occasions. Check with your network operator.
This payment is not automatic. The scheme document says you must claim by the end of June after the year ends, with your address and the dates of the cuts. Keeping a note of each long cut makes this easy.
Planned power cuts
For planned work, your operator must give you at least 2 days’ notice. If it does not, or it switches you off on a different day, the scheme document says you can claim £40 (home) or £80 (business) within 1 month.
Rota disconnections
In a rare national shortage, supplies may be switched off in turns, called rota disconnections. Ofgem says there is no payment for blackouts caused by a national shortage. The scheme document does set a £100 payment for homes if you are off for more than 24 hours in a row during a rota event.
How you are paid
- You do not need to claim, except for repeated cuts and planned-work notice.
- Payment may come by cheque, bank transfer or cash, or through your energy supplier as a credit to your account or prepayment meter.
- Operators restore power first, then arrange payments. If nothing has arrived after a few months, contact your network operator. Ofgem says they may owe you an extra £40 if they missed the payment.
- Keep your contact details with your supplier up to date. Operators use them to make automatic payments.
What is not covered
- Damage to appliances or electrical equipment.
- A national power shortage.
- Low supply after a power cut.
- Properties on a private network or a landlord’s private cable. Properties on an independent network operator (IDNO) are covered.
- Being on the Priority Services Register does not mean extra payments. It does mean extra help: see the PSR guide.
Exclusions can also apply when operators are prevented from reaching equipment, for example by the emergency services or by flooding. Food loss and other costs are usually a matter for your home insurance. Check your policy.
Northern Ireland
These rules cover England, Scotland and Wales. In Northern Ireland, ask NIE Networks about its standards and payments.
Official sources we used
- Check if you can get a payment for a power cut (Ofgem)
- The Guaranteed Standards of Performance: customer payment scheme, April 2026 (PDF) (Electricity North West)
- Find my network operator (Energy Networks Association)
- Report a power cut (Energy Networks Association (powercut105.com))
- Power cuts and outages (NIE Networks)