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Power cuts and compensation

We're suffering the issues of having only one infrastructure here. Though it isn't broadband, but electricity. At the moment the computer works, the kettle doesn't - low current I suspect. The vans are out and about fixing the network again.

Basically, we get about two power interruptions a month and one full blown power cut (4 to 26 hours) about every other month. These have previously damaged two electrical appliances.

Logically, I'd have thought that the responsible party is EDF Energy since they are contracted to supply here and they send bills. Customer and supplier. There aren't any other parties involved in this relationship. That the fault may be with the power distribution company is irrelevant in that contractual arrangement. I do not have a contractual relationship with the power distribution company.

I want them to buy us a portable generator and fuel supplies, because they're incapable of supplying a continuous supply of electricity over their wired network. That seems to be to be a very reasonable request. Quite happy to return it when the network and infrastructure has been brought into this century and can be relied upon. Taking money off the bills doesn't really achieve anything.

I haven't contacted EDF Energy yet, I thought I'd nose around first to see if there are any standard procedures.

Searching around, I turn this up:

An electricity distributor or gas transporter is not the same as the company who supplies your gas or electricity. The distributor or transporter is responsible for ensuring you have a reliable supply of gas and electricity and restoring interruptions as quickly as possible. They are also responsible for ensuring the safety of the local network.

Is it me, or does this not even really make sense?

If you have a problem with your broadband then the ISP is responsible and accountable regardless of whether it's BT's ancient flaky old network at fault. The ISP must make amends, whether it is their 'fault' or not is not relevant. They may even end up out-of-pocket, as it were, but it remains "their" problem. It's up them to claim from their supplier.

I'm intrigued. How can this state of affairs have come about, seemingly over-riding the most basic contract law? So far as I can see, there is no actual line of accountability and no incentive whatsoever for the power distribution company to perform to any particular standard or at all.

(Rant ends)
 
when it comes to power, it seems there are a few different distribution grids.. for the life of me l cant remember the site which said which distribution areas were covered by why company.. however if its the west midlands its covered by Western Power.

that said its always worth getting a surge protector, basic ones offer a a £1000 connected warranty (well master plug do) its worth having things connected to one any complaints can be taken through them then for damage to equipment.
 
+1 for surge protectors; it doesnt need a power cut to cause an issue; 20 years ago someone dropped a HV line onto a MV line and blew up fridge freezers all over Malvern.

(Not one person got compensation from the power company involved).
 
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I surge protect everything, that aspect is really the home owners responsibility.. just as all your internal electrics are down to you. But the case for absence of electricity in the supply is rather more complex due to the somewhat asymmetric nature of how energy is maintained and delivered.

I'm not sure which part of the country you're in, so I don't know what core network operator has responsibility, but take a look at these two for some advice:

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/wales...ion_when_your_gas_or_electricity_goes_off.htm

https://www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/i...vice/documents/Electrical Guarantee Final.pdf

NOTE: UK Power Networks covers London, the East and South East of England.
 
talking about surges. one thing that always gets me is when lve had issues with wireless lve always been told to go lan. but the funny thing is l used to prefer lan up till l lost two different computers to power surges and in both cases the surges were tracked as going through my lan which is why lve always opted for wireless ever since (on both systems l lost l had surge protectors fitted with the lan going through them as well).
 
An alternative for Mark, maybe you can get the power company to setup a couple of solar panels on the roof :). It's actually cheaper to buy the panels yourself and have somebody else setup the rest, 2kwh isn't too hard and that will cover most things except electric cookers, kettles etc. Downside is you're looking at £3k - £5k (closer to £3k with DIY) - long payback - and need to get the roof structurally tested first by an engineer.
 
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