How to claim £70 compensation as Storm Ciara leaves thousands of homes without power

THOUSANDS of homes across the UK could be entitled to compensation after being left without power during Storm Ciara – here’s how to claim.

More than 20,000 households woke up this morning without electricity after heavy rain and gusts of winds reaching 90mph caused widespread chaos across the country.

Flights have also been cancelled, while several rail companies advise against all but essential travel during what has been dubbed as the “storm of the century”.

But while electricity networks are working to get power restored, here’s what to do if you’ve been left in the dark.

Are you entitled to compensation?

This all depends on how long you’ve been left without power.

Usually, companies have 24 hours to get you back up and running – if they don’t, you’re entitled to claim £70 in compensation.

A further £70 can then be claimed for each additional 12-hour period where supply isn’t restored, up to a maximum amount of £700.

However, the initial time frame for compensation extends to 48 hours without power in the case of a “severe” storm – although the amount of money back you can get remains the same at £70.

According to consumer group Which?, the difference is defined by how many cases of supply outages are reported over 24 hours.

We’ve asked Ofgem and the Energy Networks Association what Storm Ciara has been classed as and we’ll update this story as soon as we get a response.

How do I claim compensation?

You should be paid compensation automatically without having to make a claim, according to Citizens Advice.

This cash will go directly into the credit or debit account you pay your energy bills from, or you’ll receive a cheque.

If you have a prepayment meter how you get paid might vary.

Some suppliers can credit the meter directly, while others will send you a cheque or vouchers.

If you don’t hear anything and you think you might be entitled to some cash, contact your local electricity distributor.

You can find your local distributor on the Energy Networks website.

This will need to be done within three months of the supply being fixed.

You can also contact the free Energy Ombudsman if you’re not happy with the outcome of your claim.

How long will it take for the compensation to be paid?

You should be paid compensation within ten days, although this could take longer if you’re claiming after Storm Ciara due to how many homes have been affected.

Martyn James, consumer rights expert at Resolver, said: “Because this is bad weather related, the timescales for paying out don’t apply as there can be large numbers of claims.

“The payout should be in a ‘reasonable’ amount of time.”

Citizens Advice found that UK households miss out on £5.1million in compensation for power cuts.

Read our full guide on how you can claim money back for power cuts in bad weather.

Meanwhile, network giants have given shareholders a £13.4billion bonanza over the past five years.