Power cut compensation payments available for people in the East
It's after Storm Eunice left thousands without power
People in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex who were left without power thanks to Storm Eunice can now apply for 'goodwill payments' from UK Power Networks.
The network is offering money back to those who were worst affected in our region.
Since Storm Eunice brought winds of 80mph in places on Friday, UK Power Networks says its restored power to 97% of homes affected, but added around 15,000 homes and businesses are still without.
After power interruptions, customers are entitled to payments in line with the Electricity Guaranteed Standards. In addition, they will also be eligible for additional goodwill payments from UK Power Networks.
Chief executive Basil Scarsella said: “We recognise that being without power for this extended period affects people’s daily lives so we have decided to make an extra £50 payment, earlier than payments would normally apply.
"Our teams are working very hard to get the power back on for the vast majority of customers affected, by the end of today, and we are keeping people informed.”
This means that customers impacted by Storm Eunice will be eligible to receive £50 after 24 hours without electricity, an additional £70 when they reach 48 hours, and an additional £70 thereafter for every 12 hours without power.
Anyone entitled to a payment will be contacted by UK Power Networks teams by text message, email or letter in the coming days, or they can fill in a claim form at www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk.
They say there is no need to phone the helpline.
The company is also running food vans, stocked to deliver 8,000 hot meals daily to the worst affected areas, paying for hotel stays and delivered food for those most in need.
People are being reminded to always treat damaged cables as live and stay away from any lines which are down and report them immediately on 105 or 999.