Constant low electricity levels & power cuts, help

ronnie_2

Last tuesday (10th jan) we had a power cut from 10am till 4pm then ever since our power for half the street as well as street lighting has been going off and on at random points, at least twice an hour eversince. (each time the power is off for half a min a time)

At the moment my light is on however its not as bright as normal so looks like the power supply isnt at full strengh?

When i phoned our supplier (scottish power) they advised me to unplug all items that where not required, if i done this from last tuesday then life would be quite unbearable. (especially for my nan who is in her eighties & needs the power from the electric central heating)

The problem appears to have been a fuse getting blown in our street, the result of which is half our street has now been dug up with no word on when its going to be fully repaired.

I am not very chuffed and feel i must vent my anger at Scottish Power, if i wrote to them explained we where not happy with service provided for the period the problem lasts for, do you think i could ask for either a discount off next bill for the inconvience caused or should i fight for a discount for the next 12 months?

Anyone thats had a similiar problem or can give me any advice i would welcome it, thanks

BexTech

Scottish Power maybe your supplier, but who is the Electricity Distributer for your area? It is those who you should be getting angry with.

leccylite

Just a quick guide on who to complain to;

Part of the electricity supply in my house does not work - This is internal and your problem- call an electrician.

Problem with my meter - call your supplier (to whom your bill is payed)

Problem with the supply going off (or on and off and on and off) - Call what is know called the D.N.O (Distribution Network Operator) which in effect is what is left from what was the old electricity boards -

This link to the energywatchwebsite should help.

http://www.energywatch.org.uk/your_questions/index.asp

Remember - The company listed is the owner of the network that supplies you - it is not the person you pay your bills to. This company is responsible for the supply to your house - up to the incoming fuse - beyond that (the meter and any other associated equipment) is the responsibility of the company that you pay your bill to. If you can't remember who you pay your bill to - well - you really should know that but your local DNO can help you identify that as well (see the link)

Just remember - if your lights go out.

1. Check to make sure that you have no electricity anywhere (eg not just the lighting ring has gone - this may sound like idiot advice but you'd be surprised)
2. Have a look about you - if you have neighbours are any of those off? Are street lights not working?
3. Have you being playing with your internal wiring - of so be careful as
4. If you call out a chap from the local DNO and you didn't need to OR you have blown your main fuse by playing silly wotsits - they can charge you.

If you have repeated problems with your supply - complain to your local DNO first as if you complain straight to energywatch without going through the DNO 1st time - they will just throw you to the DNO (politely of course)

Hope that makes some sense.