Speedier payouts after power cuts

Compensation can be hard to come by

Energy customers will receive speedier compensation for power failures, industry regulator Ofgem says.

After the storms of October 2002 many customers were frustrated at firms dragging their feet over payouts.

In future firms will be not be allowed to claim complex exemptions from paying compensation to customers.

Customers will be able to claim £25 if a power cut leaves them without power for more than 48 hours, plus £25 for each extra 12 hours up to a £200 limit.