On the fringes of the strike at EDF PEI, recurring load shedding caused damage to electrical equipment. TVs, computers or even freezers do not withstand these repeated cuts very well. What compensation is given to individuals? One insurer answers in this article.
Nadine Fadel, with Lydia Quérin • Published January 17, 2023 at 12:30 pm, updated January 17, 2023 at 12:52 pm
It has now been more than four weeks since a strike between a trade union (CGTG, FO, CFDT, SUD Energy) and the management of the site operator EDF PEI (Electricité of France – island power generation) at the Pointe Jarry power station.
As a result, tens of thousands of customers in the EDF archipelago of Guadeloupe, responsible for power distribution, fall victim to power outages every night. According to the operator, these load sheddings are unavoidable during these downtimes of the EDF-PEI unit, provided that the demand is higher than the supply.
How many people and companies have suffered losses of electrical equipment in this context? Because recurring cuts can have damaging effects on the equipment, especially during surges when the power returns.
And who pays?
Ludovic Jean lost a lot on January 1, 2023. This resident of the city of Saint-François stored several of his broken appliances in his garden: there is a refrigerator, two ovens, one of which is a microwave, a washing machine – dishes, induction hob, coffee maker. His hot tub, pool pump and air conditioner also paid the price for power outages, he said. After such damage, this person is upset.
The other morning at 6:00 am I was in my shower and suddenly the power went out. So since we have a buffer tank, we also run out of water.
Ludovic Jean, resident of Saint-François, victim of load shedding
Ludovic Jean, resident of Saint-François, victim of load shedding • ©Lydia Quérin and Bruno Pansiot-Villon – Guadeloupe La 1ère
But who then pays for the cost of the damage suffered? Ludovic Jean started the process to establish the link between EDF Archipelago Guadeloupe and his insurer to obtain reimbursement for his lost equipment.
The insurance company is waiting for us to get EDF’s reply and see what EDF will do to compensate us.
Ludovic Jean, resident of Saint-François, victim of load shedding
Ludovic Jean, resident of Saint-François, victim of load shedding • ©Lydia Quérin and Bruno Pansiot-Villon – Guadeloupe La 1ère
This is included in the “electrical damage” guarantee Optional in the multi-risk residential contract for individuals, the reimbursement of equipment caused by surges and damaged when EDF returns the power is covered.
However, in order to claim their “electrical damage” guarantee, they have to challenge EDF, so they either manage to get a certificate from EDF that there was interference and surges (which is not easy) or on most practical by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt to EDF.
Guy Charles-Gervais, Insurer
The insurer then intervenes on documents (questioned EDF, purchase invoices) and reimburses the insured directly, “deducted obsolescence”, specifies Guy Charles-Gervais. Or, if the damage is significant, the insurance company can hire an adjuster; This will go on site to note the damage before it is reimbursed.
Guy Charles-Gervais, Insurer • ©Lydia Quérin and Bruno Pansiot-Villon – Guadeloupe La 1ère
After that, it is up to the insurer to recover from EDF the compensation paid to its customers.