People without power entitled to compensation, SSEN confirms

ELECTRICITY distribution network operator SSEN has confirmed that local people currently enduring lengthy power outages will be compensated automatically.

Customers without power are entitled to compensation as well as reimbursements for hot meals in certain circumstances.

If the electricity network fails due to severe weather, SSEN is required to restore power within either 24 or 48 hours, depending on severity of weather.

If the power is off for longer, customers are entitled to a compensation payment of £70 per day plus a further £70 for each additional 12-hour period.

The maximum payment a household or business can receive is £700. More details can be found here.

A spokesperson for SSEN said: “This process is automatic and will be processed as quickly as possible in the weeks after the event.

“The amount of compensation due will vary according to how long a customer has been off supply and the extent of the weather-related incident, which is still being assessed.”

In addition, customers can claim up to £30 per person per day for food costs if they are unable to access the advertised welfare locations.

But this is only for hot food, and some people in outlying areas including on the Westside have been able to travel to buy hot meals.

The SSEN spokesperson added: “For any customers on our Priority Services Register without power and who are unable to make alternative arrangements to travel and stay with a family member or friend, we’re offering to reimburse reasonable costs for alternative accommodation.

“Anyone on our Priority Services Register who may need support in arranging alternative accommodation should call our customer contact centre on 105.”

Meanwhile, customers are advised to be prepared for the possibility of continued disruption to supplies by saving the emergency power cut number 105 to their phone to use if the power goes off.

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They are also advised to download SSEN’s Power Track app which gives details of power cuts and restoration times.

SSEN’s Priority Services Register (PSR) provides extra help and support during a power cut. Customers are eligible for free priority services if they are:

• deaf or hard of hearing;
• have a disability;
• live with children under five;
• are blind or partially sighted;
• have a chronic illness;
• use medical equipment/aids reliant on electricity
• are over 60;
• temporarily need extra support.;