As we approach the festive period, electricity network operator SSEN is encouraging its customers to embrace the Christmas spirit and take the time to look out for members of the community who may require extra support during a power cut.

SSEN's electricity networks are robust and resilient 99% of the time, but in extreme weather conditions, weather-related damage can cause disruption to electricity supplies. While SSEN has well established resilience plans and is fully prepared for whatever extremities the British weather may bring, 24/7, SSEN is calling on its customers to be prepared and consider friends, neighbours and relatives who may need extra support should severe weather affect power supplies.

Customers are being encouraged to take some simple and practical steps to help strengthen their resilience, including:

  • Signing up to SSEN's free Priority Services Register, or finding out if a friend or family member could benefit from the scheme, that supports customers who may need extra help during a power cut;
  • Downloading SSEN's free PowerTrack app, which provides live updates on faults and restoration times. Customers can also report power cuts and network damage directly to SSEN via the app;
  • Saving the 105 free-to-call national electricity emergency number to their phone contacts;
  • Bookmarking the SSEN Power Cuts website page where information, videos and updates can help customers prepare for the possibility of a power cut

Colin Nicol, Managing Director Networks, said:

"As we approach the traditional festive break we would like to assure our customers that we are well prepared for any potential severe weather the British winter may bring."

"Whilst we are all hoping for calm weather over the festive period, we have already seen the impact severe weather can have on many aspects of society this winter and would encourage our customers to be prepared by taking some simple, free steps, to help improve their resilience."

"We would also urge anyone concerned about the potential disruption to supplies for themselves or others, particularly family members or neighbours who may need extra support, to give our teams a call on 105."

Being prepared ahead of bad weather is something that is especially important for customers who may need extra help during a power cut, including the elderly, disabled and families with small children.It is particularly important for those who may rely on electricity for specialist and often life-saving medical equipment such as a kidney dialysis machine or ventilator. That's why SSEN offers extra help and support to ensure its customers are cared for through its free Priority Services Register (PSR).

By registering for SSEN's PSR, customers will be proactively contacted to warn them of potential bad weather, offered extra support where needed, helped to prepare for the possibility of interruptions to their power supply with SSEN teams remaining in close and regular contact with its PSR customers during power cuts to ensure they are getting the help they need.

Over 650,000 of SSEN's customers are already signed up for the service, but SSEN is aware that there are still some customers who may not realise they are eligible for the scheme that provides extra support during power cuts.

Customers can qualify for the PSR if they:

  • Are dependent on electricity for home medical care
  • Have a chronic illness or short term medical condition
  • Are disabled Have special communication needs
  • Have children under the age of five
  • Are over the age of 60

To find out more about SSEN and the services it provides, please visit www.ssen.co.uk