Can I get compensation for loss of trade?

Re: Can I get compensation for loss of trade?

Bob Russell — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:50:50 GMT

We had a substation outside our front door literally go up in flames. We got a small generator from B&Q - OK for emergency lights not much else but we spoke to them nicely and let them know we had a critically ill patient in (we did!!) and they offered an emergency generator but actually managed to connect us and a few shops near us to a temporary supply. They were actually brilliant and had us back on within a few hours. Much of the rest of the village was less fortunate.

As this is 'scheduled' rather than emergency they may not be so accommodating but playing the nice but worried vets worked better than the ratty vet I was becoming!!!

One of the local restaurants did get compensation for the loss of an evenings trading so it is possible to get some help. They did get stroppy though to get it!!!

Re: Can I get compensation for loss of trade?

Hannah Wynne Richards — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 11:28:01 GMT

Cross ref to thread on "gloves off " A few years ago, we had water cut off for most of 1 day. Canceled appointments, and asked a neighbouring practice to cover emergencies-that would have been difficult if either of us had behaved in the unprofessionalway some practices now seem to be doing

Wynne

Re: Can I get compensation for loss of trade?

Noweia — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 01:39:30 GMT

We had our power cut off the other evening with no warning - possibly related to roadworks outside. We ended up having to phone clients and cancel appointments - anyone we couldn't get had to be seen in the dark using a torch. Luckily power was back the next day!!

Re: Can I get compensation for loss of trade?

Michael Woodhouse — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 22:58:09 GMT

[quote user="Martin Jones"]Have you tried any other utility companies?[/quote]

Wouldn't make a difference. The work would be done by the network operator which may be the same as the utility company but it may not. You can change the company that sends your bill, but the guys in charge of the infrastructure you're stuck with based on a geographical area.

What would have happened if the electricity had gone off unexpectedly and you had started operating? We have a little generator. You can hire a big 5.9KVA generator from our local hire shop for £25 plus fuel. That would give you over 20 amps, plenty for general light and power.

You'd be more annoyed if the power went off regularly with no warning - they do need to keep the network in good order.

Re: Can I get compensation for loss of trade?

Gillian Mostyn — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 18:50:12 GMT

Have you checked that the rules you have already been told relate to businesses, not just residential? I am amazed - we had our electricity messed with a few months ago and they really did go to a lot of trouble to make sure we had as little disruption as possible. Same with some telephone cabling work recently - we were given call divert to mobile phones FOC. Not sure which electric company was involved though. Or maybe my husband is just too good at ranting.....

Re: Can I get compensation for loss of trade?

Martin Jones — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 15:33:27 GMT

It's unfair AND you're having a rant.

Have you tried any other utility companies?

Re: Can I get compensation for loss of trade?

Clive Ansell — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 15:18:57 GMT

Of course it's not fair; but you are the little guy, and they are a large private corporation with legislation and rules weighted in their favour. You are paying good money for a service that they are unable to deliver, and my feeling is you should be compensated for it. They could have also arranged an emergency supply or generator for you. maybe you should work out your losses and confront them with it.