The storm struck on Sunday, 25 October, shortly after Storm Austen brought heavy rain to parts of the country. The disruption affected more than 800,000 homes across the two storms, while fallen trees damaged vehicles, blocked roads and forced temporary closures.
According to the Energy Networks Association (ENA), 39,000 customers remained without electricity on Monday morning, while 785,000 households had been reconnected. Those experiencing prolonged outages may qualify for payments under compensation rules established by the energy regulator Ofgem.
How Much Compensation Can Households Receive After Storm Boelo?
Electricity customers affected by severe weather can receive compensation when their supply remains disconnected beyond specified time limits. The amount depends on the severity of the storm and how long the interruption lasts.
According to Ofgem’s rules, households experiencing a power cut during a category one storm can receive £90 when electricity remains unavailable for more than 24 hours. An additional £45 becomes payable for every subsequent six-hour period without electricity.
For category two storms, the initial £90 payment applies when customers have been without power for more than 48 hours. The same £45 payment then applies for each additional six-hour period.
The maximum compensation available under the severe weather arrangements is £2,235. Storm categories are determined by the impact on electricity networks and are separate from the Met Office’s weather warning system.
Customers generally do not need to submit a claim, provided their network operator holds the necessary payment details. Compensation may be transferred directly or paid through an energy supplier, including as credit to an electricity account or prepayment meter.
Households that believe they qualify but have not received compensation should contact their electricity network operator. A missed payment may result in an additional £40 being owed. Customers can identify their local operator online or by calling 105 free of charge. This connects callers with the company responsible for electricity infrastructure in their area.
Fallen Trees and Damaged Infrastructure Disrupt Communities Across Britain
The consequences of Storm Boelo extended beyond electricity supplies, with fallen trees damaging vehicles and creating dangerous conditions in several communities.
In Ashton-in-Makerfield, damage to an electricity pole on Slag Lane interrupted supplies to around 200 homes. A temporary rest centre was established at Ashton Leisure Centre for affected residents.
According to BBC News, a motorist in Barton-upon-Humber was taken to hospital for checks after an uprooted tree fell onto his moving car on Toft Road. Police confirmed that he was not injured. Elsewhere, Northern Powergrid reported that 117 properties around Bridlington and 114 in North Lincolnshire remained without electricity at 16:00 GMT on Monday.
Wind speeds varied considerably across the affected regions. Gusts reached 54mph in parts of East Yorkshire, while RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire recorded 59mph. The storm also had fatal consequences. Two men died in separate incidents involving falling trees, one in north London and another in Dumfries and Galloway. Although Storm Boelo had moved away from Britain by Monday, further yellow wind warnings remained in force into Tuesday, affecting several coastal and northern areas.
