Don't lose claim to compensation

Power distributor Aquila ann-ounced last week it would not compensate people who lost power in the storm of October 27, even while dozens of households were still waiting for their supply to be restored.

But consumer watchdog Energy-watch has accused power companies, including Aquila, of jumping the gun in a bid to put off consumers from trying to claim.

Hanley Castle businessman Alan Kay, who lost power for 56 hours, has already lodged an appeal with Energywatch and is urging others to do the same.

He said: "Aquila is using the severe weather excuse, but the regulations state that it only applies when the severe weather prevents the company from restoring the supply.

"As the winds died down in the late afternoon or dusk on the Sunday, we should be able to claim compensation for all the time without electricity after that.

"For us, that's £50 for the first 24 hours, and two further periods of 12 hours at £25 each. With thousands of consumers having been off, you can see why Aquila don't want us to claim."

He wants to hear from anyone locally who has wind speed records, to help with his case.

Energywatch, the consumer watchdog, confirmed that customers should press their case for compensation.

It said it was not up to Aquila to decide whether compensation is payable, as it is down to Ofgem to decide if the severe weather makes Aquila exempt from compensation claims.

Ann Robinson, chairman of Ener-gywatch, said: "This is a blanket attempt to dissuade consumers from claiming compensation. Companies must look at each case on its merits before making a decision."

Details on how to claim can be found on the website www.energywatch.org.uk. But each customer has to get the claim in within a month of power being restored.

West Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer said: "I will be pressing on with this. I feel very strongly that people who have been cut off, especially for two or three days, should be entitled to compensation."