SUFFOLK MPs today welcomed news that power supply company EDF Energy was paying more money to people whose electricity was cut off by last autumn's storms.

SUFFOLK MPs today welcomed news that power supply company EDF Energy was paying more money to people whose electricity was cut off by last autumn's storms.

But they were frustrated that it had taken so long for the compensation to be agreed – and wanted an assurance their constituents would benefit from the payout.

Energy watchdog Ofgem announced yesterday that EDF would be paying compensation to a further 10,000 customers, costing the company £1 million, in the wake of last October's storms.

They will receive payouts of between £25 and £325, depending on how long they were without power.

"I am pleased that more people will be getting compensation, but it has taken a long time for this to come through," said South Suffolk MP and shadow trade spokesman Tim Yeo.

"Many of my constituents were badly affected by this. I hope some of them will get the benefit of this additional compensation."

Fellow Conservative David Ruffley, whose Bury St Edmunds constituency – including Stowmarket and Needham Market – was also affected, was anxious to ensure compensation came in his constituents' direction.

"I shall be very keen to ensure some of this money comes to Suffolk – we suffered very badly and it is people in this area who deserve to get this money," he said.