Bexley's Council Leader Cllr Teresa O'Neill has branded as "disgraceful" Ofgem's failure to order full compensation to residents and traders who suffered in the major power cut that affected the borough and neighbouring Dartford in July 2009.

Ofgem ruled that the loss of power for several days was an exceptional event beyond the control of EDF Energy Networks. It decided against imposing any penalty or fine on the electricity supplier.

"I know that many local people will be disappointed both with Ofgem's ruling and the length of time it has taken to reach its decision," said Cllr O'Neill. "We made a strong argument that EDF was at least partly responsible for failing to secure the supply network and I know how much some residents and business people lost as a result of being without power."

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EDF met with Cllr O'Neill and the Council's Chief Executive earlier this week. The company agreed to share a further £700,000 among more than 11,000 customers who were worst affected by the incident. These people were without power for the entire period that supplies were disrupted and many have already received an initial payment from EDF.

EDF also agreed to pay Bexley and Dartford £375,000 each to set up a community fund to benefit local residents. Bexley has already decided to put this money towards the cost of the new Europa Gym Centre in Crayford, which is in the area affected by the power cut.

"I am disappointed that EDF is not willing to compensate more of its customers, but I accepted their offer because I would like to see some good come out of the incident," explained Cllr O'Neill. "The new Europa Gym Centre will be a wonderful asset to the community. The contribution from the new fund will help provide a long-term benefit to local people."

EDF has written to customers who may be entitled to its extra goodwill payments to let them know how they can apply.

(CD/GK)