can i claim compensation for long loss of electricity?

You can request not to be charged for the time you were without power, but other than that, you are owed nothing. You were without hot food and hot drinks... not food and drinks in general... and for less than 12 hours.

People around me went for DAYS without power during the hurricane and the snow storm. Man up or buy a generator.

You need to check with the power company directly as their web site should have details of the compensation payments they will make to consumers. However, the value is often very low (I think E.ON used to be £10 per 24 hours) and they normally calculate it only after the power has been off for about 24 hours.

I was without electricity for just 3 hours a couple of years ago they said it was due to a problem 5 miles away yet all the other houses in the street were OK, so after a quick phone call they took £10 of my next bill.

No.

Compensation (a very modest & pre-determined amount) kicks in after 18 hours without power.

No, you can't.

The power company doesn't (and can't) warranty uninterrupted service 24/7.

Just thank that the power is back. There is people that have to endure days or weeks without service.

No. In Cornwall a few years ago we were without it over Christmas. Went off Xmas morning, came back Boxing day evening. We didn't get anything.

No.