EDF Energy

EDF Energy Networks has agreed to pay additional compensation to customers following a major power cut in July 2009 in the area around Dartford, Kent. The power cuts were caused by a fire at an electricity cable bridge, and resulted in 94,000 customers losing supply, with almost 20,000 customers being without electricity for more than 24 hours.

The network operator has now offered to add £700,000 to the £1.1 million compensation already paid to eligible customers. This means that 12,000 customers, some of whom may not have previously entered a claim, will have the opportunity to receive a payment.

In addition, the company will donate a further £750,000 to the local community.

Energy regulator Ofgem said the extent of the incident had "caused significant local concern which Ofgem shares". It added "Ofgem welcomes the fact that EDF Energy Networks has responded to these concerns by making further payments in line with the regulatory requirements".

The regulator also said, "Ofgem has regarded the event as exceptional and has concluded that there is no evidence that any actions (or lack of actions) by EDF Energy Networks caused the event to happen. The company took appropriate steps following the event to limit the number of customers that had their electricity supplies interrupted, and to restore supplies quickly and efficiently. However, the incident has highlighted aspects of EDF Energy Networks' performance which appear to fall short of best practice".

22nd October, 2010

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