Brits could be owed £90 or more after Storm Austen batters UK
The wrath of Storm Austen has proven technologically inconvenient for many down in Cornwall in the past 24 hours, but affected homeowners besieged by power cuts could be compensated by the government.
According to the National Grid, more than 30,000 residences in the South West of England alone were without power yesterday (23 October) as 76mph winds pummelled the region, forcing some schools to keep their doors locked and pupils safe at home. Engineers have played a blinder already though, restoring power to at least 52,000 properties throughout the British Isles.
Per Ofgem, local network operators (in England, Scotland, and Wales only) are expected to fix electrical shortages within 12 hours — if the interruption occurs outside of severe weather that is.
That time then doubles in a severe storm category 1 event, while it’s 48 hours turnaround for category 2. This is also dependent on how many homes and businesses have been hit with issues.
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Low power supplies following a cut are not eligible for monetary handouts, as are blackouts caused by a national shortage, or damage to electrical equipment.
So back to the positives: you can pocket £100 for houses and £195 for companies if less than 5,000 properties are affected for more than 12 hours. Those amounts are applicable when more than 5,000 properties experience problems for over 24 hours. They will then get an extra £45 for every additional 12-hour power-starved period.
In short, you’ll be £90 up during a 36-hour interruption, or £180 up if the electrical supply is down for 72 hours. Maximum payouts are £400 when at least 5,000 properties are affected. Payments are made automatically via network operators — you don’t need to submit any documentation to receive rightful funds and these could be executed via cheque, cash or bank transfer, so long as the operator has your details.
Alternatively, compensation might arrive through an energy supplier. If so, the money will be added to an energy account or prepayment meter. Should there be a significant delay with this service, and it’s been a number of months’ radio silence, you may be owed a further £40 after contacting the operator directly.
This comes as UK prime minister Andy Burnham addressed reporters about the storm situation, fresh from launching a governmental campaign urging people to stock food and essentials in case of emergencies.
“We potentially are facing a winter of greater flooding, so it’s about recognising all of those risks and taking action,” he said, before being asked whether his team was playing catchup with a lack of practical preparation across the nation.
“No,” he replied. “We are having the conversation with people about being better prepared because we’re living in a world where unexpected events seem to be becoming more and more common. We’re in a situation today where the UK is facing storms, and obviously we feel for the people without power in Cornwall right now. It is just having those supplies in the house to get you through those moments [and] we are having that conversation about resilience. That’s why we’re holding this summit today, it’s why we’re putting the guidance out to the public.”
Dan Seddon