Meon Valley MP, George Hollingbery MP visited Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) to discuss investment in his constituency and support available for his constituents during faults.
In the last three years SSEN has invested more than £10 million to boost the resilience and the reliability of Meon Valley's electricity infrastructure. Investment in the network is critical to continuing to support an affordable and secure energy supply for George's constituents. Since 2002 there have been 50% fewer power cuts, and since 1990 network costs on electricity bills have fallen by 17%.
However, on the rare occasions when things go wrong SSEN ensures offers extra support for those that need it most through its Priority Services Register. It is free to register and provides George's constituents that qualify extra support, including being proactively contacted during faults, providing emergency power supplies, and tailoring advice to need.
Customers can qualify for SSEN's Priority Services Register 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
By registering for SSEN's PSR, customers will be proactively contacted to warn them of potential bad weather to help them prepare and to offer extra support where required. SSEN's teams will also keep in close and regular contact with its PSR customers during network outages to check they are getting the help they need.
George Hollingbery MP said: "I welcome the investment that SSEN has made to deliver a more resilient and secure electricity network for Meon Valley. Electricity is vital to the everyday lives of the households and businesses in my constituency and preventing disruptions in supply is welcome. However, I urge all constituents to check if they qualify for the Priority Services register, so when there are disruptions extra support can be provided."
Ian Drummond SSEN's Head of Region said: "It was fantastic to show George how SSEN's investment is delivering for his constituents, and to get his support in promoting the PSR. SSEN takes a 'restore and repair' approach when faults do occur, that means getting electricity flowing following a fault as safely, and quickly, as possible.
"SSEN provides extra support to customers that require it, and I join George in calling for everyone to check if they qualify for this free service. SSEN has made a significant investment and is continuing a programme of works that will strengthen the electricity network for those who live and work in the area."
To find out more about the PSR, click here, or call 0800 294 3259.