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Ofgem Report Reveals Average Power Interruptions

Power outages can cause significant disruption to our lives – affecting our ability to work, carry out household tasks, and communicate with others digitally. We recently conducted a survey into the effects of these power cuts on people across the UK – with the results uncovering that, on average, power outages can last up to two and a half hours.

Now, new data from an Ofgem report has revealed the total number of supply interruptions for customers across the country in 2021-2022. Here at UKPower, we’ve analysed this report to bring you the facts surrounding power outages in the UK and the time it takes for suppliers to reconnect.

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Power outages can cause significant disruption to our lives – affecting our ability to work, carry out household tasks, and communicate with others digitally. We recently conducted a survey into the effects of these power cuts on people across the UK – with the results uncovering that, on average, power outages can last up to two and a half hours.

Now, new data from an Ofgem report has revealed the total number of supply interruptions for customers across the country in 2021-2022. Here at UKPower, we’ve analysed this report to bring you the facts surrounding power outages in the UK and the time it takes for suppliers to reconnect.

The Volume of Customer Interruptions

Ofgem’s report highlights that, overall, the rate of customer interruption is below target – meaning that there are far fewer interruptions than have been prepared for by Distribution Network Operators (DNOs).

We analysed Ofgem’s data on the number of power interruptions per 100 customers and discovered that Electricity North West Limited (ENWL) – which services the entire North West of England – has an established target of 45 interruptions per 100 customers. According to the dataset, in 2021-2022, there were roughly 25 interruptions per 100 customers – meaning that actual power interruptions are 44% lower than targeted.

UK Power Networks (UKPN) – which covers the South East, East of England, and London – saw power interruptions at a much lower rate than targeted. The UKPN power outage target was set at 50 interruptions per 100 customers, but they only recorded 30 interruptions per 100 customers – 40% lower than anticipated.

Similarly, the National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) – which services South Wales, the South West, East Midlands, and West Midlands – has set its target at 60 power interruptions per 100 customers. However, the actual recorded number of interruptions is far lower, at 30 power interruptions per 100 customers – a 50% difference.

Across the board, the actual reported figures for customer minutes lost were lower than DNO targets. The ENWL targeted around 40 minutes lost, recording actual figures at just below 30 minutes lost. Similarly, the NGED had a target of 40 minutes lost and saw customers lose just below 30 minutes in 2021-2022.

UKPN shared the same 40-minute target, recording actual losses at 25 minutes – 37% lower than anticipated.

Cross-Referencing the Data

In August 2023, we surveyed 2,000 UK residents and asked them how frequently they experience power cuts. The data we have analysed from Ofgem is their most recent data and covers the 2021 to 2022 financial year – meaning the data does not reflect winter through 2022 and the new-year period of 2023.

This is important, as it could be a possible factor for explaining why our survey results showed that people were experiencing power outages more frequently – as this typically occurs more during the winter months due to weather conditions causing power disruption.

Although Ofgem’s figures show that the actual rate of power interruptions is well below DNO targets, our survey revealed that many across the UK may be experiencing power outages at a far more frequent rate than was reported in the dataset.

Data from our survey has found that 23% of respondents experienced power outages annually, along with 10% who said they saw a power cut every 6-11 months on average. An additional 4% said they experienced a power disruption every two to three weeks.

The worst-affected area for power outages was Glasgow – which saw power outages last up to 3 hours on average. London and Cardiff closely followed, with each seeing power cuts lasting up to 2.9 hours on average.

Assessing Customer Satisfaction

Ofgem’s report found that all DNOs had achieved customer satisfaction at above-target rates, though most had seen customer satisfaction drop somewhat between 2020-2021 and 2021-2022. For all DNOs, the customer satisfaction target sits at 82.5% – each significantly exceeding their targets.

The ENWL’s customer satisfaction rate in 2021-2022 was just under 90%, dropping slightly from above 90% the year before. Similarly, NGED received a customer satisfaction rate of 90% in 2021-2022, down slightly from the previous year. UKPN recorded the highest levels of customer satisfaction in 2021-2022, at 92.5% – up slightly from the year prior.

Our survey found that just over half (56%) of the respondents felt confident in their supplier’s response to power outages – so it was interesting to see DNO-customer satisfaction levels sitting so high.

To Conclude

Our analysis of this latest Ofgem report outlining power disruptions in the 2021-2022 period has yielded interesting insights into the level of service disruption across the UK. Notably, it was relieving to see that overall power interruptions are well below targeted numbers. However, data from our recent survey has shown that, despite these figures being lower than suppliers account for, the disruption that these power outages can cause is still severe.

If you want to look closer at your energy rates, we at UKPower can help. Our free energy comparison service can aid you in negotiating a better energy contract to suit your household’s needs. Run an energy price comparison today and see if you could pay less for gas and electricity.

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Published on: 21st September 2023