Ofgem paid £10.5m by three companies over August power cut

On 9 August 2019 a power cut more than one million customers were left without power and three companies voluntarily paid a combined £10.5m

Ofgem found that two large power stations, Hornsea One Ltd and Little Barford failed to remain connected after a lightning strike. UK power Networks are to also pay £1.5m over a technical breach of the rules.

Jonathan Brearley, Ofgem’s executive director said, “Consumers and businesses rely on generators and network companies to provide a secure and stable power supply. 9 August showed how much disruption and distress is caused to consumers across the UK when this does not happen.

“That is why it is right that companies that were unable to keep generating have paid into our consumer redress fund.

“Our investigation has raised important questions about National Grid’s Electricity System Operator, which is why our review will look at the structure and governance of the company.”