Power outage at home — can I recover damages from the grid operator?
Yes, sometimes. The Netcode gives you a fixed compensation for longer outages + the right to additional damages on serious fault. Here is the schedule.
Under the Netcode electricity (art. 6.7 + compensation rules) the grid operator must pay a fixed compensation for uninterrupted outages > 4 hours: €35 (4-8h) up to €910 (> 24h), depending on duration and connection category. Automatic — you only need to supply your EAN code. For additional damages (spoiled food, devices destroyed by surge on reconnection): liability under BW 6:174 (defective structure) or 6:162 (tort), provided causation and evidence (photos, receipts, repair quotes). Liability is often disputed — that's why a formal claim with the right articles is critical.
Step-by-step
- Document the outage — Note start and end time. Photo clocks, broken appliances, spoiled food. Request confirmation of outage duration from the operator (online outage register).
- Request standard compensation — Fill the outage form at your operator (Liander/Stedin/Enexis), provide your EAN. Compensation is settled automatically.
- Additional damage claim — For extra damages: send a formal claim with evidence (photos, receipts, repair quotes) + reference to BW 6:174 / 6:162.
- Complaint / civil court on refusal — On refusal: complaint at Geschillencommissie Energie. For high damages (> €25,000) or complex causation: civil court (kantonrechter).