Teams from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) attended the Independent Living Scotland (ILS) conference on 4-5 October at the SEC, Glasgow to promote its Priority Service Register (PSR) to customers, carers and healthcare professionals.
ILS offers individuals with disabilities, families and carers, as well as healthcare professionals the opportunity to learn more about assisting and improving independent living. SSEN had an exhibition stand to raise awareness of its Priority Service Register and to promote the service it provides people that require extra assistance in a power cut or planned supply interruption.
SSEN's Priority Service Register is free to join for customers who may need extra support during a power cut.
Working with SGN, Scottish Water and SP Energy Networks, SSEN's teams provided customers, carers and healthcare professionals with guidance and advice to ensure customers receive the best possible service to suit their needs.
Simon O'Loughlin, Stakeholder Engagement Manager at SSEN, said: "We were delighted to attend Independent Living Scotland to talk to customers and healthcare professionals about the additional assistance we can offer to customers who would benefit from extra support during a power cut. We used this as an opportunity to run a number of focus groups to review welfare packs we send certain groups of customers in the event of a power cut or emergency situation. By sitting down and listening to the healthcare professionals and customers who would actually use these packs, we can make sure their feedback is taken on board to ensure these are suitable and include everything they would need and expect to help them feel more comfortable.
"In the lead up to winter, I'd urge anyone who feels they may need extra support to join the PSR and speak to our dedicated team who will be more than happy to help with any questions or queries they may have. We also recognise our customers may suddenly feel like they need additional assistance when faced with a power cut or emergency situation, so as a responsible operator it's vital we tailor the advice and assistance given to each individual. We want as many of our customers who may be eligible to join so we can look after them when they need us most."
SSEN's customers can join the PSR if they are dependent on electricity for home medical care, have a chronic illness or short term medical needs, are disabled, have special communication needs, are over the age of 60, have a child under the age of five at home or for any other reason feel they may need extra support during a power cut.
For more information on SSEN's Priority Services Register, please visit ssen.co.uk/PriorityServices, or to register call 0800 294 3259 or 0800 316 5457 to register using a text phone.