Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is making the most of the summer months to spread the word on how it can provide extra help to vulnerable customers during a power cut.
SSEN Customer and Community Advisor, Tania Christie took part in a recent Disability Awareness event held at the Weller Centre in Reading; working in partnership with other organisations, including Guide Dogs for the Blind, Arthritis Matters, Stroke Association and Disability Confident to raise awareness of SSEN's Priority Services Register (PSR) by distributing information and leaflets on the additional help available through the scheme.
While it might seem a little early to flag up a service that's most commonly used during winter weather, Tania explains why it's important to highlight the scheme now:
"Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks works throughout the year to make sure its customers always receive the best service and we're aware that we still have some customers who could benefit from the Priority Services Register and have yet to sign up."
"By taking part in local events during the better weather and letting people know how they could benefit from PSR gives them peace of mind, knowing that as the colder months approach they are already signed up to receive additional assistance in the event of an interruption to power supplies."
SSEN wants to make sure that all of those who are eligible for the service know about the extra help they could receive during a power cut. 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
Once signed up, customers on the PSR will receive a phone call in relation to a power cut or planned supply interruption and, where necessary, a welfare check from a member of a specially-trained team. The free service also offers:
- Dedicated 24 hour priority services phone number
- Priority updates during a power cut
- Information in the format you need, for example Braille, textphone, audio CD or foreign language
To find out more about the PSR, go to https://www.ssen.co.uk/PriorityServices/ or call 0800 294 3259.