If your power is off for long enough because of a fault on the network, the company that runs your local electricity network has to pay you. Ofgem sets the amounts and updates them every April. Here is the short version, checked against Ofgem on 28 October 2026.
| Type of power cut | First payment | Then | Most you can get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal weather, fewer than 5,000 premises off | £100 after 12 hours | £45 for each further 12 hours | No cap |
| Normal weather, 5,000 or more premises off | £100 after 24 hours | £45 for each further 12 hours | £400 |
| Storm, category 1 | £90 after 24 hours | £45 for each further 6 hours | £2,235 |
| Storm, category 2 | £90 after 48 hours | £45 for each further 6 hours | £2,235 |
| Four or more cuts in a year, each at least 3 hours | £100 once a year | You must claim it | £100 |
These are the 2026/27 figures, in force from 1 April 2026. Businesses get different amounts. The "year" for the four-cuts payment runs from 1 April to 31 March.
Your local network operator pays, not your energy supplier. They own the poles, cables and substations. Call 105 and you are put through to yours.
Ofgem says you will automatically be paid if you do not have power for the qualifying time. In practice, check that the money arrives: some operators pay by bank transfer, cheque or a credit on your energy account, and they need your details to do it. The one payment you must ask for is the extra £100 for four or more cuts in a year.
Ofgem uses its own two storm categories, based on how many faults the storm causes on the network in a day. They are not the same as the Met Office warning colours, and your operator decides which applies. Category 1 means at least 8 to 13 times the normal number of faults. Category 2 means at least 13 times.
Northern Ireland has a different scheme run by NIE Networks, with different amounts and a time limit for claiming. Call NIE Networks on 03457 643 643 or see Powercheck.
Keep the fridge and freezer doors shut, use a torch rather than candles, and never bring a barbecue, camping stove or generator indoors for heat or cooking. If you or someone in the house relies on medical equipment, register with the Priority Services Register (free). It gets you earlier updates and extra help in a cut, but no extra payment.
Keep a note of when the power went off and when it came back. It makes any claim simple.
Chapter 5 of Steady covers the first hour, first night and first three days of a power cut, including when you are owed compensation. The Household Pack, £14, adds printables to fill in and 4 laminate-ready cards. 30-day refund. Founding price until 23 November 2026, then £19.
Get the Household Pack, £14Read Chapter 1 free (PDF) · Power banks and power stations · What to do in a power cut · If phones stop working