- Technology is having an impact on people's memories, with over a third admitting theirs isn't as good as it was five years ago
- More than 40% of British people rely on mobile phones to retain important numbers
Memorable 105 number has been launched to help people remember how to get advice and information in a power cut
A reliance on technology is taking its toll on people's memories, with almost a third (30%) of British people admitting theirs isn't as good as it was five years ago, according to new research from the Energy Networks Association (ENA).
The research found that 40% of forgetful Brits turn to their mobile phones to retain important numbers.
Forgetfulness seems to affect every aspect of our lives. For example, nearly two thirds (65%) of people admit they can't remember their computer passwords and over 40% struggle with their mobile banking pin numbers.
Added to that, the majority of us struggle to remember important dates and numbers including birthdays and anniversaries. According to the research 40% of Brits can't remember their partner's birthday while 70% of us can't remember our mum's telephone number. Surprisingly, this particular research also found that over one in ten (13%) appeared not to know they should call 999 in an emergency.
To help reduce the sheer amount of things people need to remember, the Energy Networks Association and electricity network operators across Great Britain have worked in partnership to launch and fund 105 - the memorable, free-to-call number to help people get information and advice in a power cut.
Launched to create one easy-to-remember number to call wherever you are in England, Wales and Scotland, 105 can be easily stored in people's phones. The service, which puts people straight through to their local electricity network operator, helps avoid the need to remember power companies' longer numbers reducing confusion or people potentially contacting the wrong organisation.
Lisa Doogan, Director of Customer Relationship Management at Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) said: "We want to make it as easy as possible for our customers to contact us on the rare occasions the power does go off. 105 is an easy-to-remember number that will direct customers straight through to our customer service teams in the north of Scotland and central southern England."
"The 105 service also allows our customers to let us know if they feel vulnerable or need extra support during a power cut, as well as report damage to power lines and substations that could put themselves, or someone else, in danger."
David Smith, Chief Executive of the Energy Networks Association, added: "Many people mistakenly believe that they should call the company which they buy their electricity from during a power cut. That's not the case, it's the network operators who will get the power back on, and 105 is a simple and memorable way to get through to the people who can help."
People can call 105 from all landlines and most mobile phones, no matter who they choose to buy their electricity from. For those who prefer to go online for support, they can visit www.powercut105.com.
The easy-to-use website provides direct links and details of how to contact network operators online and via social media to get information and updates about a power cut. It also provides details about 105 and the electricity network operators funding this important national three-digit service which is the first of its type in the UK's energy industry.