Compensation for damage for a defect in the method of supply or quality of electricity
You can claim damages for damaged devices or spoiled food
For compensation to be paid for damage, a defect must have occurred in electricity distribution regarding either the quality or method of supply. This means that there is a defect in the method of supply or quality of electricity if the quality of electricity does not meet the standards in Finland, or if electricity distribution has been interrupted continuously or repeatedly and the interruption cannot be considered insignificant, given the reason and circumstance of the interruption. The most typical defects are a neutral fault and a long period of overvoltage or undervoltage.
The basis for our compensation policy is the Electricity Market Act and the general terms and conditions based thereon, such as the Terms of Network Service, Electricity Supply or Connection, contracts signed with our customers and industry recommendations.
Electricity users must be prepared for interruptions in electricity distribution.
Electricity users should prepare for electricity distribution not being uninterrupted. The electricity network is always exposed to meteorological and other phenomena (for example, the functioning of network protection equipment or network maintenance works) in connection with which normal, rapid variations in voltage often occur.
CE-marked devices must be able to withstand normal voltage variation.
CE-marked devices must withstand normal momentary voltage variation during interruptions. Turning electricity on or off may not cause a device to break or cause malfunctions; it is a part of normal use. Equipment manufacturers are required to test the devices for this before placing them on the market
Responsibilities of electricity users and real estate owners
Electricity users must take into account the operating conditions of their devices and ensure that the devices have proper electricity supply if they, for example due to the sensitivity of their devices, need electricity of a higher quality than the standard network service or uninterrupted electricity supply.
If necessary, property owners can have surge arresters installed in the electric switchboard and obtain earthed socket outlets for more sensitive devices, as well as device-specific surge arresters between the devices. There is no entitlement to compensation for damage caused by a defect in a building's internal electricity network. The property owner is responsible for overvoltage protection in the building's internal electricity network.
Compensation for damages for damaged devices or spoiled food
Repair costs of a device constitute the primary basis for compensation. If the device cannot be repaired or the repair costs exceed its current value, we can base the compensation on the purchase price of an equivalent device.
Damages are paid for food if a defect concerning the electricity supply method or quality has caused a refrigerator or freezer to become damaged, resulting in food spoiling.
Damage to equipment and food caused by interruptions due to weather or other phenomena does not usually confer an entitlement to compensation for damages. Exceptions to this are cases where, for example, the wind has felled a tree onto a low voltage line, resulting in a neutral conductor breaking and causing a neutral fault
Claim compensation for damages
You can choose whether to submit a compensation claim to Caruna or to your insurance company. Getting compensation from your insurance company depends on the extent of your insurance cover. Submit the claim within a reasonable time of the date you noticed the damage (2–3 months). We process claims on a case-by-case basis.
- Fill in the compensation claim form carefully
- Itemise the damages on the form and provide proof of them by attaching copies of receipts, expert repair estimates or opinions and clear photographs of the damages.
- The settlement of claims will automatically proceed when the requested proof is attached to the claim for compensation. Otherwise, the processing will not be completed.
- If any food has been spoiled, please include clear and comprehensive photos in addition to the specification
- Keep the damaged equipment until you receive a decision on your claim from us
Disputes concerning compensation
If a dispute concerning compensation cannot be resolved through negotiation, you may, as a consumer, bring the matter to the Consumer Disputes Board for resolution https://www.kuluttajariita.fi/fi/
However, before submitting the matter to the Consumer Disputes Board, you should contact the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority's Consumer Advisory Services. https://www.kkv.fi/kuluttajaneuvonta/