THOUSANDS of Suffolk households are today finally hearing they will get compensation from an energy giant, more than a year after they lost power in the storm of 2002.

By Paul Geater

THOUSANDS of Suffolk households are today finally hearing they will get compensation from an energy giant, more than a year after they lost power in the storm of 2002.

Electricity distribution company EDF Energy – which was formerly known as 24Seven – has now written to customers who have been awarded compensation by energy watchdog Ofgem (Office of Generation Markets).

Customers who complained about the power cuts by the end of January, and were cut off for more than 30 hours, will be entitled to compensation on a sliding scale.

This ranges from £25 to £325, depending on the length of time people were cut off.

Lorraine Harrison, of Somersham, had already had a £100 payment from 24Seven because of the loss of power. Her family has now heard they will receive another £87.

"I suppose that is welcome, but it won't make that much difference considering all the inconvenience we were put through," she said.

"These days £200 isn't that much money – yesterday I went shopping for food for the family and the bill came to £130."

Other people felt the award was more symbolic.

"We aren't actually getting very much – but we do feel as if we have achieved something after kicking up a fuss last year," said one householder who did not want to be named.