Latest news with #ConorForbes
The National
04-08-2025
- Climate
- The National
Storm Floris: 22,000 properties without power across Scotland
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) said it is working to restore power to 22,500 properties while more are expected to be impacted later in the day. SSEN is the network operator for the north of Scotland. The company says it has hundreds of extra staff working but it may not be able to reconnect everyone by the end of the day. The reports come as around 10,000 homes in Ireland are without power after Storm Floris brought strong winds to the island. READ MORE: See the full list of bridges closed in Scotland as gust speeds increase SSEN's director of customer operations for the north of Scotland, Andy Smith, said: 'Storm Floris is a relatively rare summer storm, and the weather forecast suggests it'll have the potential to cause significant disruption to power supplies throughout today, and into the early hours of Tuesday. "Its severity has increased over the several days we've been monitoring it, and over the course of the weekend we put in place our well-rehearsed storm plans." He added: 'We've got hundreds of additional team members ready to support our response. As soon as it's safe to do so, they'll quickly set about repairing network damage. At the height of summer, we've mounted an operation that's comparable in size to those we have when a storm hits in the depths of winter, and I want to reassure our customers we're well prepared to respond to whatever Storm Floris brings. 'Please remember you can report faults to us by calling 105 at any time, or via the PowerTrackwebsite or app.' What rights do I have as a consumer if I have a power cut? Scots should 'know their rights' as Storm Floris triggers a wave of disruption across the country today, according to a leading charity. Advice Direct Scotland has issued information for those affected, as the storm brings unseasonably strong winds and cancellations across the transport network. The charity told the public that if you lose electricity due to a storm, compensation varies depending on the storm's category. Storm Floris will likely be classed as a Category 1 or Category 2 event. If the storm is Category 2 and you are without power for 48 hours: Initial compensation would be £80, with an additional £40 for every six hours without power, up to a maximum of £2000. For gas cuts, consumers might be entitled to compensation if the supply is cut off for more than 24 hours, receiving £60 after the first 24 hours and another £60 for each following 24-hour period. According to Advice Direct Scotland, the gas network operator should contact consumers directly, but no compensation will be given if more than 30,000 homes were affected, the consumer caused the cut-off, or the operator took reasonable steps to prevent it. Conor Forbes, policy director at Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'Storm Floris is causing serious disruption across Scotland. We recognise the anxiety and uncertainty this brings to many households, and it is important that people know their rights. 'Our teams are on hand to offer free, impartial advice to anyone affected, whether it's power outages, travel cancellations or damage to property. READ MORE: Storm Floris Live: Latest warnings, transport cancellations and road closures 'We can help people understand their rights, access compensation, and find practical support quickly. 'We urge anyone impacted to reach out via our helplines, website or social media channels. Whether you're dealing with energy supply issues, insurance claims or service interruptions, we're here to guide you through it. 'Storms like Floris test our resilience, but no one should face these challenges alone. Your wellbeing is our priority, and we're committed to helping communities stay safe, informed and supported every step of the way.'
Glasgow Times
04-08-2025
- Climate
- Glasgow Times
Scots told to 'know their rights' amid Storm Floris chaos
Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national advice services and has released guidance to help people navigate the storm's aftermath and seek compensation. The storm, which is the first named storm to hit the UK since Storm Eowyn in January, is expected to bring winds of up to 85mph as well as heavy rain. Advice Direct Scotland's guidance covers possible power cuts, transport disruption and more. Read more: How to claim a refund for delayed trains as storms expected to cause chaos For instance, if you lose electricity due to the storm, compensation varies depending on the storm's category. Storm Floris is expected to be classed as a Category 1 or Category 2 event. People are advised to call 105 for help during an unplanned power cut to connect with the electricity network operator. If the storm is Category 2 and you are without power for 48 hours, initial compensation would be £80, with an additional £40 for every six hours without power, up to a maximum of £2000. For gas cuts, people might be entitled to compensation if the supply is cut off for more than 24 hours, receiving £60 after the first 24 hours and another £60 for each following 24-hour period. The gas network operator should contact consumers directly, but no compensation will be given if more than 30,000 homes were affected, the consumer caused the cut-off or the operator took reasonable steps to prevent it. Transport disruptions include cancellations of certain train routes and possible delays for bus passengers. For customers who are booked with ScotRail and would like a refund due to a service cancellation, you can request one on its refund page, with all administration charges waived. Ferry companies are unlikely to offer compensation due to adverse weather, as running such services could be dangerous. To receive more information, contact the ferry operator directly. Affected customers can seek help in a number of different ways: by calling freephone 0808 164 6000, visiting to take part in a web chat or by emailing. For information on energy supply issues, can be contacted at or on freephone 0808 196 8660. Read more: Train disruption warning as loss of power impacts services to Glasgow Central Conor Forbes, policy director at Advice Direct Scotland, said: "Storm Floris is causing serious disruption across Scotland. "We recognise the anxiety and uncertainty this brings to many households, and it is important that people know their rights. "Our teams are on hand to offer free, impartial advice to anyone affected, whether it's power outages, travel cancellations or damage to property. "We can help people understand their rights, access compensation and find practical support quickly. "We urge anyone impacted to reach out via our helplines, website or social media channels. "Whether you're dealing with energy supply issues, insurance claims or service interruptions, we're here to guide you through it. "Storms like Floris test our resilience, but no one should face these challenges alone. "Your wellbeing is our priority, and we're committed to helping communities stay safe, informed and supported every step of the way."
STV News
04-08-2025
- Climate
- STV News
What are you entitled to if Storm Floris causes disruption?
As Scotland battens down the hatches amid 'unseasonably' strong winds thanks to Storm Floris, experts have urged Scots to 'know their rights' if they are affected by disruption. The Met Office has issued an amber warning for much of Scotland until 11pm as Storm Floris rips across the country, with a second yellow alert in place until midnight. Gusts of 50 to 70 mph are expected in many areas, which are likely to reach 90mph in exposed areas. Forecasters have warned of travel disruption with many rail lines closing around midday, and a reduced timetable in place. Power cuts are also possible in some affected areas. Advice Direct Scotland issued guidance to help Scots navigate the storm's aftermath. Conor Forbes, policy director at Advice Direct Scotland, said Storm Floris is causing 'serious disruption' across the country. 'We recognise the anxiety and uncertainty this brings to many households, and it is important that people know their rights,' he said. Mr Forbes added that teams were on hand to offer free advice on issues such as power outages, travel cancellations, and property damage. 'Storms like Floris test our resilience, but no one should face these challenges alone. Your wellbeing is our priority, and we're committed to helping communities stay safe, informed and supported every step of the way,' he said. Mr Forbes urged anyone impacted to get in touch. If Scots lose electricity due to a storm, compensation varies depending on the storm's category. Advice Direct Scotland said Storm Floris will likely be classed as a Category One or Category Two event. If the storm is Category Two and you are without power for 48 hours, initial compensation would be £80, with an additional £40 for every six hours without power, up to a maximum of £2,000. Scots can call 105 for help during an unplanned power cut, which will connect them with the electricity network operator. For gas cuts, customers might be entitled to compensation if the supply is cut off for more than 24 hours. They would receive £60 after the first 24 hours and another £60 for each following 24-hour period. The gas network operator should contact consumers directly, but no compensation will be given if more than 30,000 homes were affected, the consumer caused the cut-off, or the operator took reasonable steps to prevent it. If your gas was cut off, contact your gas network operator to find out how many homes were affected and if reasonable steps were taken to prevent it. ScotRail passengers whose service is cancelled can request a refund with all administration charges waived. Some bus companies may not issue refunds or compensation for severe weather disruption, but Advice Direct Scotland said customers can raise complaints with the bus companies directly. Ferry companies are unlikely to offer compensation due to adverse weather, but refreshments should be provided if the ferry is delayed for more than 90 minutes. Contact the ferry operator directly for more information. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The National
04-08-2025
- Climate
- The National
Storm Floris: Power outages across Scotland amid 90mph winds
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks is reporting scattered power outages, while there are some outages in Orkney and Shetland. The reports come as around 10,000 homes in Ireland are without power after Storm Floris brought strong winds to the island. READ MORE: See the full list of bridges closed in Scotland as gust speeds increase Weather alerts remain in place across Scotland. What rights do I have as a consumer if I have a power cut? Scots should 'know their rights' as Storm Floris triggers a wave of disruption across the country today, according to a leading charity. Advice Direct Scotland has issued information for those affected, as the storm brings unseasonably strong winds and cancellations across the transport network. The charity told the public that if you lose electricity due to a storm, compensation varies depending on the storm's category. Storm Floris will likely be classed as a Category 1 or Category 2 event. If the storm is Category 2 and you are without power for 48 hours: Initial compensation would be £80, with an additional £40 for every six hours without power, up to a maximum of £2000. For gas cuts, consumers might be entitled to compensation if the supply is cut off for more than 24 hours, receiving £60 after the first 24 hours and another £60 for each following 24-hour period. According to Advice Direct Scotland, the gas network operator should contact consumers directly, but no compensation will be given if more than 30,000 homes were affected, the consumer caused the cut-off, or the operator took reasonable steps to prevent it. Conor Forbes, policy director at Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'Storm Floris is causing serious disruption across Scotland. We recognise the anxiety and uncertainty this brings to many households, and it is important that people know their rights. 'Our teams are on hand to offer free, impartial advice to anyone affected, whether it's power outages, travel cancellations or damage to property. READ MORE: Storm Floris Live: Latest warnings, transport cancellations and road closures 'We can help people understand their rights, access compensation, and find practical support quickly. 'We urge anyone impacted to reach out via our helplines, website or social media channels. Whether you're dealing with energy supply issues, insurance claims or service interruptions, we're here to guide you through it. 'Storms like Floris test our resilience, but no one should face these challenges alone. Your wellbeing is our priority, and we're committed to helping communities stay safe, informed and supported every step of the way.'
Leader Live
28-06-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Check your meter before Energy Price Cap changes on Monday
Consumers should submit readings before midnight on June 30 to avoid being overcharged, and to ensure that smart meters are working properly. Accurate readings prevent suppliers from estimating usage and applying previously higher prices to energy used after June 30, as Ofgem resets the cap on what suppliers can charge every three months. The latest change from £1,849 to a lower rate of £1,720 on July 1 represents a 7% drop, with average annual bills falling by around £122. Bad news! Ofgem's energy Price Cap that dictates the rate 2/3 homes in Eng, Scot & Wales pay, is now predicted to rise even more than before. I've knocked up this table showing today's new average predictions (from 3 big firms) for the Cap for someone on supposed 'typical use';… However, this is still £582 more than households were paying before the energy crisis began in autumn 2021. Advice Direct Scotland, a charity which runs the national energy advice service is among charities calling for a 'longer-term solution to the scourge of fuel poverty' with a UK-wide social energy tariff, to support low-income households which would automatically place the most vulnerable people on cheaper deals. It said that anyone unable to submit readings by June 30 should do so as close to the date as possible and advised taking a photo of the meter in case of disputes, and suggested checking for more favourable tariffs. The next price cap update will be announced by Ofgem in August, and many people are still struggling with record levels of debt. More on energy bills Conor Forbes, policy director at Advice Direct Scotland, says: 'Lower gas and electricity prices will come as a relief for households, but bills remain significantly higher than they were before the energy crisis began. 'It's important to submit meter readings before the new price cap comes into force, to prevent being overcharged. 'For extra peace of mind, take a dated photo of the meter. If you have a smart meter, make sure it's working. 'People can also take practical action by examining their bills, finding out how much they are paying, and checking if there are cheaper options available with other suppliers. 'Struggling customers should know they do not have to suffer in silence. Our expert team is on hand for anyone who needs help, no matter their circumstances. 'However, a longer-term solution to the scourge of fuel poverty is a UK-wide social energy tariff, which would automatically put vulnerable people on the cheapest deals.' Household energy debt has reached alarming levels, underscoring just how much pressure both consumers and suppliers are under. Overall arrears remain alarmingly high, with 75% of the total debt having no repayment plan in place. The average debt per customer is £1,200, exacerbating an already pressurised market and making it increasingly difficult for both customers and suppliers to manage rising costs. 'Today's figures from Ofgem show that household energy debt has continued to rise, with an increase of £300m in Q1 of 2025, having now grown for ten consecutive quarters," says Matt Turner-Tait, Senior Manager at specialist Energy & Utilities consultancy, BFY Group. "There have been some well-intended attempts by the government and regulatory bodies to relieve the issue – such as the Warm Home Discount becoming accessible to double the number of households previously, or Ofgem's prepayment meter review prompting suppliers to return £18.6m to customers through compensation and debt write offs. "However, these measures don't provide the much-needed long term relief that customers need. "Since the covid crisis, the UK retains the most expensive electricity bills out of 25 other European countries – which highlights the need for urgent, sustainable action at policy level. Suppliers can provide some relief to customers through early engagement, accessible advice, and smarter tools for managing bills - this will help customers retain some financial stability.'
