THOUSANDS of people across the region could be due compensation if they saw their electricity supply cut off after Storm Arwen caused huge disruption.

Those who were left without supply for more than a day could be entitled to hundreds of pounds paid into their electricity or bank accounts.

It comes as thousands of homes across the North East and North Yorkshire have seen supply restored, but thousands remain without supply for a seventh day (Friday). 

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We've looked at the latest guidance to bring you everything you need to know if you are or were affected by a loss of supply due to the storm.

How much am I entitled to?

Residents right across the region could be due compensation of hundreds for loss of supply due to electrical equipment failing from storm damage.

The Northern Powergrid states that customers will receive a payment of £70, regardless if they are a domestic or non-domestic customer if power was off for 24 hours or more.

It then states that customers will receive a further £70 for each additional 12-hour period where there was no supply.

On Friday, it was announced a £700 limit on compensation had been removed meaning customers will now be able to claim up to £140 for each day of lost power, regardless of length. 

How do I claim?

Those affected by the outages should contact Northern Powergrid to start their claim which can be done anywhere up to three months from the date supply was lost - but Northern Powergrid states it will be contacting customers affected to let them know.

According to Citizens Advice, if you are on the Priority Services Register then you will be paid compensation automatically.

Northern Powergrid states in all other cases compensation will be paid directly to the customer as part of its “Guaranteed Standards” as soon as "reasonably" practicable.

When will I get my money?

Customers should expect to be paid within ten days if thet are claiming from the electricity supplier or distributor.

It says automatic payments to those on the Priority Services Register should also receive their refund automatically within ten days.

However, if customers are not paid within these timescales, Citizens Advice states they can claim an extra £30 for a "late payment" fee.

Customers should contact Northern Powergrid directly when making a claim here.

What the Northern Powergrid has said

A spokesperson for Northern Powergrid said: “We are advising, in line with industry guaranteed standards, that once all storm-affected customers’ supplies are restored we will proactively contact our customers who have been affected by Storm Arwen advising of their payment depending on the duration of their power cut."

Support for those who need hotels

“We are also providing financial assistance to any domestic customer who was still off supply on November 29, 2021 or later and who needs our help.

"This will include the reasonable costs of alternative accommodation and food (up to £15 per person per meal).

"We will also contribute to other reasonably incurred costs; for example where a customer arranges for their own back-up generator.

“We will consider each customer’s circumstances on a case-by-case basis. All of our vulnerable customers will be eligible.

"Customers who require assistance should email StormArwen@northernpowergrid.com and we will be in contact as quickly as we can to agree how we can help them.”

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