Compensation and reimbursements
Vaasan Sähköverkko is liable for damages if the network service has been subject to a fault, such as a zero fault, or if a prolonged overvoltage or undervoltage has damaged equipment. In the event of a prolonged power cut, you will automatically receive compensation.
You will receive compensation for long power cuts
According to the Electricity Market Act and our network service conditions, as an electricity user, you are entitled to standard compensation if you have been without electricity for at least 12 hours without interruption.
The standard compensation is automatically credited, and you do not need to apply for it separately from Vaasan Sähköverkko. The amount of compensation depends on your annual network service fee (including the transmission fee, basic fee, and taxes) and the duration of the power cut.
The compensation is paid together with the invoice
Standard compensation will be automatically credited via your electricity bill within six (6) months of the power cut, and its maximum amount is 200% of your annual transmission fee, but not more than EUR 2,000.
If more than six (6) months have passed since your power cut and you have not yet received compensation, please send us a claim using the form below.
The length of the power cut affects the compensation
Legislation provides for different levels of compensation to be paid to network customers for power cuts. The standard compensation is paid as a percentage credit on the annual transmission fee of the place of electricity use, inclusive of tax.
The power cut duration affecting the amount of compensation starts when the fault has been brought to the attention of Vaasan Sähköverkko either through the network’s own operating system or by the customer’s notification, and ends when the fault has been repaired.
Faults in the main grid and regional network
If the interruption of power supply is caused by a fault in the main or regional grid, the grid company is not liable to pay standard compensation to its customers. Furthermore, the grid company may be exempt from paying compensation if the reason for the power cut is deemed to be outside the control of the grid company. Examples of this might be actions taken by the authorities to regulate the availability of electricity.
Standard compensation from 1 January 2024
| Power cut period | Credit from annual network service fees |
| 12–24 h | 10% |
| 24–48 h | 25% |
| 48–72 h | 50% |
| 72–120 h | 100% |
| 120–288 h | 150% |
| yli 288 h | 200% |
How do I claim compensation for a broken electrical appliance?
Depending on your insurance coverage, you can decide whether to present a claim to Vaasan Sähköverkko or your own insurance company.
CE-marked equipment must be able to withstand normal momentary voltage fluctuations in the event of a power cut.
If you suspect that a zero fault has broken your device, do this:
- Take clear photos of the damage.
- Find out if the device can be repaired. If it is possible, send your claim only after the repair.
Primarily, compensation is based on the cost of repairing the broken appliance. If the appliance cannot be repaired or the repair costs are higher than the current value of the appliance, the purchase price of an equivalent appliance can be used as the basis.
If the broken appliance cannot be repaired, keep it until you have received a decision on compensation.
We process claims on a case-by-case basis.
Other compensation for long power cuts
If an appliance has broken down due to a long power cut, contact your insurance company.