Power cut compensation: what you're owed and how to claim
How much compensation you're owed for a long power cut, the different rules for storms, and how to claim from your network operator — the current 2026 figures.
By Tom Rowland · Updated 20 July 2026 · Sourced to Ofgem's Guaranteed Standards
You may be owed money — often automatically
Under Ofgem's Guaranteed Standards of Performance, your electricity network operator has to pay you compensation when a power cut runs long — and in most cases it should arrive automatically, without you doing anything. But the payment doesn't always land on its own, and the amounts step up the longer you're off, so it's worth knowing what you're entitled to.
One thing to get straight first: this compensation comes from your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) — the company that runs the wires in your area — not from the supplier you pay your bill to. You can find and reach your DNO by dialling 105, free from any phone.
Normal power cuts — the amounts
For a normal power cut (not caused by severe weather), the thresholds depend on how many homes are affected. If fewer than 5,000 premises are off, your DNO must pay a domestic customer £100 if the supply isn't restored within 12 hours, and then a further £45 for each additional 12 hours off. If 5,000 or more premises are affected, the payment is £100 if you're not back on within 24 hours, then £45 for each further 12-hour period, up to a total cap of £400.
These are the figures that took effect on 1 April 2026 (they're uprated for inflation each April). So a long, localised outage genuinely adds up — and it's compensation for the disruption, separate from anything to do with your bill.
Storms follow different rules
Severe weather is treated separately, and understanding why stops it feeling unfair. In a storm, events are categorised by how many faults hit the network compared with its normal daily average. A Category 1 storm causes roughly 8 to 12 times the usual number of faults in 24 hours; a Category 2 storm — the most extreme — causes more than 12 times.
For a Category 1 storm, the payment is £90 if your supply isn't restored within 24 hours, then £45 for each further 6-hour period, capped at £2,235 per event. For a Category 2 storm, that £90 only kicks in once you've been off for 48 hours, then £45 per further 6 hours, with the same cap. So the worse the storm, the longer before payments start — which reflects that the networks are dealing with widespread, hard-to-reach damage, not sitting on their hands.
Repeated cuts — and how to actually claim
There's also cover for repeated outages: if your home suffers four or more separate power cuts, each lasting at least three hours, within a single regulatory year (1 April to 31 March), you're owed £100.
In most cases the payment is automatic and should reach you within 10 working days. If it doesn't arrive and you have to claim it yourself, you're entitled to an extra £40 on top for the hassle. There is a time limit, though: claim within three months of an unplanned power cut (or within one month for a planned interruption you weren't properly notified about). Keep a note of when a cut started and ended.
Common questions
Am I owed compensation for a power cut?
Often, yes — under Ofgem's Guaranteed Standards your network operator must pay compensation when a cut runs beyond set thresholds. For a normal localised cut it's £100 if you're not restored within 12 hours; storm rules differ. It's usually paid automatically.
How much compensation will I get for a power cut?
For a normal cut affecting fewer than 5,000 homes, £100 after 12 hours off, then £45 per further 12 hours. For 5,000+ homes, £100 after 24 hours, then £45 per 12 hours, capped at £400. Storm events use different figures.
Is the compensation different in a storm?
Yes. In a Category 1 storm you get £90 after 24 hours off, then £45 per 6 hours; in the most extreme Category 2 storm the £90 only starts after 48 hours. Both are capped at £2,235 per event — the worse the storm, the longer before payments begin.
Do I claim from my energy supplier or the network?
The network operator (your DNO) — the company that runs the local wires — not the supplier you pay your bill to. Dial 105 free from any phone to find and contact your DNO.
What if I'm not paid automatically?
Payments should arrive within 10 working days automatically. If you have to claim it yourself, you're entitled to an extra £40. Claim within three months of an unplanned cut (one month for a planned one), so don't leave it too long.
What counts for repeated power cuts?
Four or more separate power cuts, each lasting at least three hours, within a single regulatory year (1 April to 31 March), entitles you to a £100 payment. Keep a note of the dates and durations.
Sources: Ofgem — Guaranteed Standards of Performance · Citizens Advice — Compensation for power cuts · Energy Networks Association — Power cut? Call 105. PreparedBritain is independent and not affiliated with HM Government.
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