ESO raises compensation for storm-related losses

Lithuania’s electricity distribution operator ESO is increasing compensation for residents who suffered direct losses after the Aug. 22 storm. The company has already received more than 2,800 applications seeking about 664,000 euros.

The first payments are due to reach residents on Monday. ESO chief executive Renaldas Radvila said the scale of the storm caused real losses, particularly in areas where extensive damage delayed the restoration of electricity.

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We understand that a storm of this scale caused real losses for people, especially when the large number of faults in a particular region delayed the restoration of electricity.

Under the revised system, residents whose power returned after more than 72 hours can receive up to 220 euros when restoration took three to six days, up to 440 euros when it took seven to 13 days, and up to 660 euros when restoration lasted 14 days or more.

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We want to compensate for the losses as quickly as possible and thereby at least partly reduce the burden placed on people, so we will begin making the first payments on Monday.

The payments cover direct costs linked to the prolonged outage. These include spoiled food, temporary accommodation, generator rental or purchase, and fuel. The maximum amounts include up to 60 euros for spoiled food, up to 60 euros per day for necessary accommodation, up to 40 euros per day for generator rental, up to 220 euros for buying a generator, and up to 90 euros per day for generator fuel.

Customers who have already filed claims do not need to apply again. The new limits will apply to existing applications, while additional losses can be submitted separately. Compensation for direct losses will be paid separately from the payment automatically calculated for exceeding the standard power-restoration period. The two payments will not reduce each other. Claims can be filed through the ESO self-service portal, by email, or by post.

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Residents who have already submitted claims to ESO for compensation for direct losses will not need to repeat the process. Their claims will be assessed under the updated, higher compensation limits.