Cuts to your utilities are a pain whenever they happen. You might not realise how much you're gasping for a cuppa, until the kettle no longer works. Not to mention other essential appliances like the fridge and the cooker.
But if you can't predict when power outages are going to happen, it's still worth knowing what level of cover your home insurance gives you. As well as what your rights are and who to contact when the power goes off.
Does home insurance cover any damage caused by a power cut?
That depends on your policy. While you might not be covered for a power cut, you could claim for knock-on damage, such as the food in your fridge and freezer going off.
Our contents insurance covers your food and drink if they've gone off due to an accidental power failure. The amount you can claim depends on your level of cover: it's £100 for Silver, £300 for Gold, and £1,000 for Platinum insurance.
Can I claim compensation for electricity power cuts?
Unplanned outages
If the power cut wasn't planned, the amount of compensation you can get depends on how many homes were affected by it, and whether the outage was caused by bad weather.
To find out how many homes were affected, contact your local power distribution network operator (DNO). You can find your DNO from the Energy Networks Association.
- If less than 5,000 homes were affected, you'll get £95 if the power was out for longer than 12 hours, and an additional £40 for each following 12 hours.
- If more than 5,000 homes were affected, you'll still get the same amount, but capped up to a maximum of £360.
- In cases of severe weather, the number of homes affected doesn't have a bearing on your claim. You'll get £85 if the power was off for 24 hours, and another £40 for each following 6 hours, up to a maximum of £2,000.
Planned outages
Your DNO must give you 2 days' notice if they plan to cut off your supply for repairs or testing. You could claim £40 in compensation if they gave you no notice or a wrong day.
Just as for unplanned power cuts above, you can find your DNO from the Energy Networks Association.
How can I be sure it is a power cut?
When your electricity goes off, it helps to put your detective's hat on and check with the neighbours. If you see any lights on or other signs of power, it could be that your circuit has tripped.
Whereas in the countryside it's quite possible for one village to be cut off, while a nearby community still has lights on.
If you can still access the internet on a mobile device, check the website or social media feeds of your DNO for breaking updates. Searching for your local area with the term 'power cut' might also bring up useful information.
If you can't find information online, or access the internet, call your DNO by dialling 105.
The DNO should be able to tell you what the issue is, how they're dealing with it, and how long they estimate it will take to fix it.
How long can a freezer last without power?
If the electricity goes off, try not to keep opening your freezer and fridge. A half-full freezer without power should keep your food safe for about 24 hours, while a full freezer should last up to 48 hours.
If the outage is likely to be more than 4 hours, you should move items like meat, dairy and poultry from your fridge to the freezer. As always, put meat and poultry at the bottom of the unit to avoid the contamination of other foodstuffs.
Prepare for a power cut
If violent storms have been forecast, or a weather warning has been issued by the Met Office, it pays to be prepared. In addition to getting extra blankets and board games out, there are some useful items to have ready.
- Emergency night lights which kick in when the power goes out.
- A torch, candles and matches, and an LED wind up lantern – keep them somewhere easy to find in the dark.
- Batteries.
- Cool boxes for food – leave a freezer pack or two in the freezer ready.
- A portable mobile phone charger or power bank.
- A camping stove and fuel if you don't have a gas cooker. Again, don't forget the matches or a lighter.
Making a complaint about a power cut
If you've experienced a power cut and weren't satisfied with the DNO for anything from the response time to the compensation process, you can contact Ofgem (Office of Gas and Electricity Markets).
Ofgem acts as an intermediary to make sure the DNO sticks to the standards set out in your contract with them. In cases where they feel the DNO doesn't meet these standards, Ofgem will see to it that you get the right amount of compensation.
Author: The AA. Updated 6 June 2025.
