RESIDENTS who have been affected by power cuts as a result of the heavy wind brought to the county by Storm Eunice could be in line to receive up to £700 in compensation, as well as free meals and accommodation. 

Up to £700 in compensation

SSEN customers will be eligible for the funds if they have been without power for more than 48 hours, where they would be eligible for a £70 payment.

Another £70 will be due for each additional period of 12 hours in which supply is not restored up to a cap of £700.

A spokesperson for SSEN said: “Separate to the enhanced welfare offering above, we recognise that customers may have questions regarding compensation, which is governed by Guaranteed Standards of Service set by our regulator, Ofgem.

“Customers will be eligible for compensation under Guaranteed Standards if they have been without power for more than 48hrs, where they will be eligible for a payment of £70. A further £70 will be due for each additional period of 12 hours in which supply is not restored, up to a cap of £700.

“Customers do not need to contact SSEN to receive this compensation. We will automatically issue this by cheque to the address that was impacted by the storms based on the data we hold. We will send a letter to addresses where this information is incomplete.”

 

Free meals 

Welfare vans were placed in communities most affected by Storm Eunice offering free hot food and drink but those who have been without power and do not live in proximity to a van are offered to be reimbursed for a meal.

The spokesperson added: “If you do not live in proximity to these vans or need to remain in your home due to circumstances such as mobility or Covid-19, we are offering to reimburse reasonable costs for an evening meal or takeaway, up to the value of £15 per person and up to a maximum of £60 per household.”

 

Paid accommodation 

SSEN customers in Dorset who are concerned about an extended power cut are urged to make alternative arrangements to stay with family or friends.

However, they recognise that may not be an option for all.

The spokesperson continued: “Where this is the case and a customer has been without power since Friday and their Estimated Time of Restoration is later than yesterday evening, we are offering to reimburse all reasonable costs for arranging alternative accommodation.”

Eligible customers should book the accommodation and meals directly and retain all receipts which should then be sent to SSEN for reimbursement via - https://tinyurl.com/EuniceClaim

SSEN says all claims will be processed ‘promptly once full restoration has taken place’.